Living Psalm 34:1-8

Living Psalms Book

Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Living Psalm 34_Houser for October 27, 2024

No matter what happens, I’ll keep speaking truth. I’ve been through some stuff, and God is still the one I praise. Let those who’ve been crushed by life hear this and find some hope. Come on, let’s shout it together—let’s lift up God’s name, loud and proud.
I called out to God when I was wrecked, and God showed up. Every fear that had me by the throat—God broke those chains. The ones who look to God, you can see it in their faces—they’re glowing with life, no longer carrying the weight of shame. I’ve been down and out, calling to God from my pit, and God heard me. Rescued me from all the hell I was going through.
God’s spirit camps around those who dare to keep going, who stand up even when the world tries to beat them down. And God protects them. Taste this for yourself—just see how good God is. Those who take refuge in the Divine find a kind of blessing that can’t be measured. Listen up, you who are exhausted and oppressed—those who stand in awe of God, they’re never left stranded. The strong and privileged might find themselves empty and starving, but those who seek God’s justice never lack for anything that truly matters.
Gather round, children of the struggle, and I’ll tell you how to live in the reverence of the Holy One. You want a life that means something? You want days that feel like more than just survival? Then watch your mouth. Don’t let your words be weapons. Keep your lips from spreading poison. Turn away from the crap that destroys you and do good instead. Chase after peace—like, chase it down relentlessly, even when the world makes it hard to find.
God’s eyes are on those who fight the good fight, and God’s ears are tuned into their cries. But the systems of evil that keep people down? God’s got no patience for that. Those who oppress, they don’t last.
When the broken cry out, God listens. God pulls them out of the pit, piece by piece. God is near to those whose hearts have been shattered, and lifts up those whose spirits have been crushed under the weight of it all. Yeah, the ones who walk the path of justice, they’ve got their share of battles, but God’s with them in every single one. God’s protection runs deep—it holds their very bones together, even when everything else is falling apart.
Evil? It devours itself. The wicked end up victims of their own violence. But God? God saves those who serve, who keep showing up, who keep seeking justice. Not one person who takes refuge in God is ever left without hope or without help.
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Living Psalm 34:1-8 was written by Samantha Houser.

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community. Maren Tirabassi, editor

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.