In a group I’m coaching, we decided to write a personal psalm to help us pause,
notice and respond to God’s movement in our lives. I offered 2 Samuel 22:4-20
as a template or example to spring from. This came from that:
A Psalm of Lauren
“From before I was born Lord, you marked me as your own; you had plans for me, plans to call me your precious daughter, plans to walk with me. I didn’t know your Presence during some hard times in my life, but you were near all along.
When I was at my lowest, you were there with a gentle word and comforting presence. You didn’t walk away, even during the times when I turned and drifted away from you.
The voices of others grew louder, telling me I do not belong, that I don’t measure up, I’m not wanted and I should try harder to be better. I struggled to meet the expectations of those around me and my own expectations that created walls of shame and guilt.
I couldn’t see the value in me apart from the things I could accomplish, should accomplish. But the victories were shallow and short-lived. I felt alone and outcast.
I didn’t know who to trust and how to trust you, and I’m still working through all of the voices to hear yours more often and clearly. Would you continue to quiet the voices in my mind and those that seek to tear me down?
But Your voice was there all along. I am untouchable in your hands of protection; in the midst of the storms of life; I am safe, I am seen, I am heard and I am loved.
Trying harder doesn’t bring me the peace and joy that come from me surrendering to you. I want to hear your voice saying, “Well done, my child.” Though I am not enough on my own, you declare me enough for your purpose. So, Lord, I seek not my own on my own, but I seek what you have planned through your strength and kindness.
You have a purpose for me. You desire me to draw near to you and to be content and filled with joy. You desire good for me. Turn my heart from the things I’ve known to the things you want me to know. Turn my heart from the worries of this world to see your eternal perspective.
People stumble and fail, I stumble and fail. But Lord, that’s not the end. You don’t cast me aside and withdraw from me. Because of your great love and patience, I can rise again and push forward; not to attain perfection on my own, but to catch a glimpse of Your perfection. Transform me from within, in the uttermost deepest parts. Shine light into my soul that I may repent and be strengthened.
You have declared me worthy, you have declared me as beloved, and you lead me every moment. My confidence is in you. Teach me to trust in you alone.”
An exercise for your soul: Give God some space and time and write a psalm to
capture some of what He’s doing in and for you!
