Psalm 18

Inspired by Psalm 18. Done in a blend of chant and light techno. For those that would like to have the lyrics: I will love thee, LORD, my strength and stay. The LORD my rock, my fortress, my sure way; My God, my strength, in whom I trust alone, My shield, salvation’s horn, my tower of stone. I call upon the LORD, to be adored; So shall I be saved, he is my Lord. The pangs of death enclosed me round about, Ungodly floods filled all my soul with doubt. The sorrows of the grave did compass me; Death’s snares were set; they came enclosing me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, I cried to God, he heard my spoken word. From out his temple reached his ear my cry; My prayer before him rose up to the sky. Then earth did shake, foundations moved in fear, The hills were stirred, for wrath had drawn him near. From out his nostrils smoke went swiftly forth, And fire devoured; live coals sprang from his wrath. He bowed the heavens down and came below; Darkness beneath his feet did surely go. Upon a cherub swiftly did he ride, He flew upon the wind with wings spread wide. Darkness his veil, his secret place unseen, Dark clouds and waters formed his courts serene. Before his light thick clouds were driven past, With hailstones fierce and coals of fire cast. The LORD in heaven thundered loud and strong, The Highest spoke; hail, fire, surged along. His arrows flew; the scattered foes gave way, His lightning shot and broke them in dismay. The channels of the seas were brought to sight, World’s depths laid bare before the LORD’s rebuke and might. He reached from high and took me by his hand, Drew me from waters deep where none could stand. From foes too strong for me he brought release, From those who hated me he gave me peace. They met me in my day of grief and pain, But still the LORD my stay did yet remain. He set me free into a spacious place, Delivered me, delighting in his grace. The LORD rewarded me for righteousness, For clean hands shown before his holiness. I kept his ways, nor wickedly did stray, Nor from my God did turn or walk away. His judgments stayed before my watchful sight; His statutes were my rule both day and night. Upright I was, from sin I kept me clear; So he repaid me as his eyes appear. With merciful thou wilt show mercy true; With upright men thou upright wilt pursue. With pure thou art made pure in all thy ways; The froward feel thy frowardness displayed. The humble thou wilt surely save from harm; The proud thou bringest low by mighty arm. Thou lightest up my candle in the night; The LORD my God makes all my darkness light. By thee I run through troops without retreat; By God I leap the walls beneath my feet. As for the LORD, his way is perfect still; His word is tried; he guards all who trust his will. Who else is God except the LORD alone? Who is a rock save him; our strength, our stone? It is the LORD who girds my strength for war, And makes my path made perfect evermore. He makes my feet like hinds’ on heights to stand, He trains my hands for war at his command. His shield of salvation upholds my frame; His gentleness has lifted me to fame. My steps enlarged; my feet did never slide; My foes I chased, nor turned till they had died. They fell beneath my feet, struck down and low, For God had clothed me strength to overthrow. He bowed my enemies beneath my sway, Gave me their necks; I swept my foes away. They cried for help, but none would come or hear; Even to the LORD; but no reply drew near. I ground them fine as dust before the wind, Cast them like dirt the city streets within. From strife of people thou didst rescue me, And made me head of nations far to see. A people strange now serve me at my name; They hear, obey, submit, and fade in shame. The LORD lives on; blessed be my rock on high; Exalted be the God of victory. He avenges me, subdues my foes below, From violent men delivers me from woe. Therefore, O LORD, among the nations wide I’ll sing thy praise and magnify thy might. Great help he gives his king by righteous hand, Shows mercy to his anointed in the land; To David, and his seed eternally, For evermore, through all posterity.