Psalm 100-101--An Exhortation to Worship and Faithfulness

Psalm 100—An Exhortation to Worship

Let everyone shout with Joy to the Lord
Come into His presence with song.
Let us worship in one accord
The One to whom we belong.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
Come into His courts with praise.
We find Him ever good and forgiving,
Merciful all of our days.

Psalm 101—An Exhortation to Faithfulness

I will sing of Your perfect justice and love;
I will live with a heart to obey,
But this I ask of my God above:
When will You come to stay?

There is integrity in my home.
I reject those things that are vile.
I disapprove all hearts that roam;
I treasure all things worthwhile.

Some folks slander the innocent,
With eyes and heart so proud.
When I discern their evil intent,
I declare it clear and loud.

I look for faithfulness and love
In those who would be my friends.
Together we serve the Lord above
Faithful to the end.

I want no deceiver living with me;
No liars can be my friend,
For I seek truth and purity
From now until to the end.

Let us begin each day with resolve
To bring honor to our land.
May no wickedness be absolved
Nor evil allowed to stand.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 91—Safe in the Arms of God

If you live in the presence of the Most High,
You will rest in the care He provides.
He is your refuge, your fortress nearby,
For He will protect and guide.

He will rescue from Satan’s traps;
Protect you from deadly disease.
When trouble comes, let no time elapse,
Run under His covering wings.

You need not fear the terrors of night
Or the arrows that fly each day.
As you live in the fullness of light
Disaster won’t find you as prey.

Though a thousand fall at your side;
If ten thousand fall down and perish,
The wicked are judged because of their pride,
But you, His child, He will cherish.

If you make God your fortress today
No evil will conquer your soul.
Angels will guard you in all your ways
Your enemies He will control.

Angels will guard you and hold you fast,
No stone will be able to trip you.
Though demons attack with a strong grasp,
They will never be able to grip you.

“Because he loves Me and honors My name,
I will protect him from all harm.
I will keep Him faultless from blame
By the might of My Strong Right Arm.

I will be with him in times of trouble;
He will not be distraught.
Though Satan’s efforts be redoubled,
A satisfied life is his lot.”

It’s a mystery why anyone would
Reject these words so true.
Submit today as you know you should;
Jesus will bring you through.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 73—Which Destiny is Yours?

There was a time I almost slipped;
I doubted my Father’s plan.
My confidence temporarily dipped
While watching a wicked man.

Why do the wicked live in ease?
Why do they have good health?
Their lives are filled with sin and sleaze,
The fruit of their arrogance and wealth.

With conceited hearts and self-centered pride
They scoff and speak with malice.
O’er earthly kingdoms they preside
From their richly-appointed palace.

Surely in vain I have kept my life clean
To honor the scripture true.
It certainly appears from what I have seen
That sinners get blessings too.

As I sought to reason this out
God showed me their ultimate ruin.
It was not for me to fuss and pout,
For judgment is coming soon.

Suddenly their days will be done,
Swept away at their final hour.
Their Day of Accounting will surely come
In terror and fearful power.

While they perish, I am secure
In the center of Your will.
I am kept for heaven by You
To live on Your holy hill.

Evil men will perish for sure,
Their soul consigned to hell.
But those whom Jesus has made pure
Will with Him forever dwell.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 51--A Psalm of Repentance

Here is a Psalm that means much to me.
It is David repenting of sin.
With his sentiment I agree;
I have harbored sin within.

My sins, O God, are always before me;
From them I cannot depart.
Only You can set me free
From the wickedness in my heart.

I am a sinner from conception;
I don’t do righteousness well.
I was headed for a warm reception
With sinners condemned to hell.

O cleanse me, Lord; wash me with soap,
Make me whiter than snow.
In You I place my trust and hope.
To You alone I go.

Create in me a heart that’s pure.
This is my prayer; please hear it.
Grant me salvation free and sure;
Empower me by Your Spirit.

I will tell others—sinners too
About salvation’s joy.
Open my lips to declare Your praise,
My total being employ.

No amount of good works or deeds
Can bring salvation to man.
A broken spirit always precedes
Your glorious victory plan.

Thank you, Lord, for breaking me
So joy and peace You could bring.
Now I declare victoriously:
“God loves broken things.”

If you are broken and wounded today,
Call to God above.
He will hear you when you pray
And cover you with His love.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 46--God Will Protect His Own

God is our refuge and our strength.
We’re safe in His mighty hands.
The safest place in all the world
Is the center of His best plan.

Earthquakes may shake and mountains fall;
Sea waves may roil with foam,
But God will hear our every call
And take us safely home.

God is a river of peace, my friends.
He will keep His city secure.
Though armies surround it at the end,
Their hour of destruction is near.

The nations are in disarray;
The Son of God is descending.
The evil armies He will slay,
For the reign of evil is ending.

Jesus comes in glory and splendor
Followed by the redeemed.
He comes as Israel’s strong defender,
The Messiah of their dreams.

He will make wars to cease that day
And reign for a thousand years.
Peace and justice will come to stay
No need for swords and spears.

Be still, you saints. Your God is here.
Exalt Him and give Him praise.
Now is the time for all to draw near,
To serve Him all of your days.

Our Lord Jesus is coming soon.
Receive Him before it’s too late.
Confess to Him your vain soul’s ruin;
Accept His redemption so great.


© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 42--Longing, Remembering, Trusting

Longing…
“Like a deer desperate for a cool stream
So I’m desperate for you.
Longing for you, O God, is my theme
I hardly know what to do.

Here I am far away from home
Remembering the festival times.
Tears now flow as I pour out my soul.
O what sorrow is mine!

‘Stop my soul. Put your hope in God.
Know that you still will praise.
Though it is Jordan’s soil you trod,
You must rise from this sad malaise.’

Remembering…
I remember your mighty power,
The roar of the mighty sea.
I call out from my night time tower,
‘Have you forgotten me?’

I spend each day in sadness alone;
My bones are feeling the pain.
My enemies taunt me as I moan,
But You, O Lord, sustain.

Trusting…
Okay my soul, stop this reflection.
Trust in God above.
There is coming a resurrection
For those who know His love.

Yes, I will place my trust in the Lord,
For you are my Savior true.
With heaven in sight, a glorious reward,
I’ll trust You to see me through.”

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 37--The Heritage of the Righteous

Psalm 37:1-11

Don’t let the success of the evil man
Take away your peace and joy,
For there is nothing one can possess
That will not be destroyed.

The believer shall trust in the Lord alone;
It is He who has determined your place.
This shall become your blessing zone
As you surrender and seek His face.

Commit your future and all your dreams
To the Lord who observes in love.
Your life will radiate like a beam
As bright as the sun above.

Be still and patient, pray for God’s will;
Don’t faint when evil succeeds,
For there is an awful eternal bill
Coming due for all wicked deeds.

Control your anger; turn away from wrath,
Submit to God’s best plan.
The wicked now walk their chosen path,
But you will inherit the land.

It won’t be long and the end will come;
The wicked will not be found.
To God’s judgment they will succumb,
But you will wear heaven’s crown.

Do you desire the Lord’s salvation
And acknowledge your selfish sin?
Heaven will be your destination
If you place your trust in Him.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 32--The Joy of Forgiveness

“Blessed am I. My sins are forgiven;
My spirit has peace and rest.
Before I repented I was driven
By sins that were unconfessed.

When I kept silent my health declined;
I groaned on my couch each day,
But when I confessed these sins of mine
You washed my misery away.

Yes, I have learned to confess my sin,
For then my spirit can rest.
By Your grace I’m cleansed within;
My transgressions fully addressed

Let all who are godly call on high
While You can still be found,
For when the mighty waters rise
You guide to higher ground.”

God to David:
“I will instruct you and teach you, My son
In the way you ought to go.
Each day to Me you must come
To learn what you need to know.

Do not be like the horse or mule
That refuses to be controlled.
Must I place a bridle on you
To lead you where you must go?

Many woes will come from above
To all who resist my will.
For all who surrender to Me in love
Peace and joy I instill.

Rejoice in the Lord My chosen ones.
Seek to be upright in heart.
Your eternal life has just begun
So why don’t you play it smart?”

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 27--The Lord is My Salvation

The Lord on high is my salvation. Of whom shall I be afraid?
He helps me defeat demonic schemes whenever an attempt is made.
When my enemies come to attack, they will stumble and fall.
Because the Lord is my guide and strength, I shall not fear at all.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I desire the most.
It’s not a desire for riches or fame or something grandiose.
I love to be in the presence of God when I worship in His house.
Living continually with my Lord is the hope I espouse.

To live in His presence is safety for me and glorious peace of mind.
No better fortress or hiding place would I ever be able to find.
I will draw near to God on high with songs of joy and praise.
This is the way I choose to live all my remaining days.

So here is my prayer as I call out to God: ‘Lead me in paths of light;’
My enemy seeks to ravage me in numerous spiritual fights.
Don’t let me fall for Satan’s plan or succumb to his devious ploy,
For Lucifer lives his evil desire: to kill and steal and destroy.

The devil accuses of sin and faults—some I’ve never committed,
Then I quote the scripture to him, for that is the weapon permitted.
I tell him he is a liar now and has been from the beginning.
I tell how Jesus saved my soul and remind him he is not winning.

Yes, I’m confident God will prevail in all the trials of life.
I can conquer fear and doubt; get victory o’er sin and strife.
I will wait patiently for the Lord enduring the devil’s assaults,
For by the blood of Christ applied I stand without blame or fault.

This is the standing you will have if you place your trust in Christ.
You must remember you cannot be saved by your deeds or might.
If man could earn it, he would boast. That’s not a desirable station.
Confess your sin; trust in His grace. He will make you a new creation.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 23--The Lord is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, my needs are all met.
I have plenty to eat; by the cool stream I rest.
The pasture He chooses is lush with green grass
Because of His presence the wild beasts must pass.

The food that He gives yields strength and health.
He guards from the wolves who come by stealth.
The streams by the pasture so gently flow
I drink all I need while the cool breezes blow.

The paths we walk are those which are good.
The words He speaks are all understood.
Sometimes we tread in the shadow of death,
But I need not fear or hold my breath.

I know the enemy would tear me apart,
But the Shepherd’s strong staff will make him depart.
The Savior is near, no danger can win.
I know I am safe because I’m with Him.

The Shepherd has said there is heaven ahead.
He’s planning a banquet for those He has led.
There at God’s table I will be seated.
No enemies there, for they are defeated.

We will be served by angelic creation.
Along with dear saints from Old Testament nations.
Goodness, love, and mercy are mine
Not just for this day but for all time.

The Savior is waiting for you to wake up
He wants you to drink from His loving cup.
He offers salvation so full and so free,
So heed this good word from Psalm 23.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm 22--A Messianic Prophecy

This is a Psalm of despair and joy,
A Psalm that is doubly fulfilled.
It’s about David they hoped to destroy
And Jesus when He was killed.

“My God, My God, where are You?
Can’t you hear my pleas and groaning?
I call out for help all the day through,
Yet you fail to hear my moaning.

Our Fathers cried and they were delivered.
They trusted and were not ashamed.
I call out to You, the deliverance-giver,
But no miracle can I claim.

I feel like a worm and not a man,
Scorned and despised by all.
‘You preached to others of God’s great plan.
Why doesn’t He hear you call?’

I am surrounded by evil beasts
That long to tear me apart.
As I suffer with pain’s increase
I am aware of my failing heart.

My hands have been pierced and my feet.
I’ve been nailed to this rugged cross.
Here I hang near Golgotha Street
To win back what mankind lost.

O My God, deliver my soul.
I know you will hear my plea.
I will praise you, for this I know:
You have regard for me.

Those who seek You find satisfaction.
In You they place their hope.
They are assured of divine reaction
In a timely definitive scope.”

King David was spared and ruled from his throne.
He was delivered from every plight.
All o’er the world He became known
As a king both fierce and upright.

Jesus died there upon the tree;
Then was placed in the tomb.
But He rose again for you and me
To save us from sin and doom.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm Nineteen--God is Calling Out to You

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God,
All creation His marvelous mind.
They testify of His boundless power;
His intention so loving and kind.

The vastness of the universe
Speaks loud to all who will hear
That there is a God to love or curse
Calling for all to draw near.

Consider the sunrise in the East
And watch it go down in the West.
Nothing can hide from its radiant heat
As it journeys to evening’s rest.

The wisdom of our divine Creator
Is perfect reviving the soul.
No one can love in any way greater
Than He would make you whole.

The commandments of the Lord are clear
Giving us wisdom each day.
Each of them act as a lighted mirror
Revealing how grace is His way.

His Law reveals the sins of my heart;
Shows me the faults I must face,
For my sin has kept us apart
But the answer is His great grace.

Cleanse me, O Lord, from all my sin
Transform my corrupt condition.
Remove the evil that lives within;
I trust You for sin’s remission.

I know these words and heart meditation
Are acceptable in Your sight,
For You have removed sin’s dark condemnation
And given me peace in the night.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved

Psalm Sixteen--A Psalm of Hope and Joy

A Psalm of Hope and Joy
Psalm 16

Hear my prayer today, O Lord
I place my trust in You.
By your grace I am restored.
Each morning I start anew.

I remember the day I said,
“You are my Lord and Savior.”
How I long for heaven ahead
With all who seek your favor.

Many there are who turn away
To gods of wood or stone.
Their sorrow will multiply on the Day
When they stand before You alone.

You have granted blessings to me.
I live in a pleasant place.
My life is like a fruitful tree
Growing in peace and grace.

I bless the Lord and trust His Word;
I seek Him at night when I rest.
I long for the day His shout will be heard
And I rise to the life that is best.

If I should die before You return
My spirit will fly to You.
I have no fear of the lake that burns
Or the judgment that will ensue.

In Your presence is fullness of joy
Devoid of all earthly leaven.
Eternal fellowship to enjoy
In the glory of God’s great heaven.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved