Psalm 89:1-52 VOICE

[1] I will sing of Your unfailing love, Eternal One, forever. I will speak of Your faithfulness to all generations. [2] I will tell how Your unfailing love will always stand strong; and how Your faithfulness is established in the heavens above. [3] You said, "I have made a covenant with My chosen one. I made My servant, David, this promise: [4] 'I will establish your dynasty so that you and your descendants will always be secure. Your rule will continue for generations to come.'" [pause] [5] Let the heavens join in praising the wonderful works of the Eternal. The holy ones have gathered, singing of Your faithfulness. [6] For there is no one above who compares to the Eternal, not one of heaven's creatures is like Him in the least. [7] In the council of holy ones, God is lifted high and feared; His presence overwhelms all who are near Him. [8] O Eternal God, Commander of heaven's armies, who is mighty like You? You are completely faithful; that's why we trust You. [9] The ocean waters are at Your command. When violent waves rise up, You still them. [10] You defeated Rahab, that ancient monster of chaos, and left it lifeless. You routed Your enemies and scattered them by Your great arm of power. [11] Everything in the sky above and the earth below are Yours. The world and all it contains are Yours, for You created them all. [12] Everything was created by You-the north, the south- the mountains of Tabor and Hermon echo joyously the song of Your name. [13] Your arm is strong. Your grip is powerful. Your right hand is raised up high. [14] Your rule is rooted deeply in justice and righteousness- unfailing love and truth lead from the way ahead of You. [15] How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face. [16] Every hour of the day, they rejoice at the sound of Your name. They are lifted up and encouraged by Your righteousness. [17] For You are the beauty of their strength. On account of Your favor, our strength, our horn, is increased. [18] For our shield of protection comes from the Eternal, and the Holy One of Israel has given us our king. [19] Long ago You spoke through a vision to Your faithful followers, saying, "I have given help to a warrior; I have chosen a hero from among My people. [20] I have found David, My servant. With My holy oil, I have anointed him king. [21] My strong hand will stay with him and sustain him, regardless of trial or foe. My mighty arm will be his strength and shield. [22] The deceit of his enemies will not outwit him. The wicked will not defeat him. [23] I will pound his enemies right in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him. [24] My faithfulness and unfailing love will never leave him; through My name, strength and power will be his. [25] I will extend his rule over the oceans, his right hand will control the rivers. [26] He will cry out to Me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!' [27] I will make him My firstborn; no earthly king shall be greater. [28] My unfailing love will always be with him, protecting him; My covenant with him will never be broken. [29] I will ensure his family's future forever; his dynasty will last as long as the heavens. [30] If his children turn away from Me and forsake My law, if they refuse to walk according to My judgments, [31] If they disobey My instructions and ignore My commandments, [32] Then I will use the rod to punish their sins and stripes to deal with their iniquity. [33] And yet My unfailing love of him will remain steadfast and strong. I will not be unfaithful to My promise. [34] I will not violate My covenant, nor will I alter even one word of what My lips have spoken. [35] These words I have pledged in My holiness once and for all, and I will not lie to David. [36] As long as the sun lights the day before Me, his descendants will continue to rule. His kingdom will last forever. [37] His dynasty will stand firm for all time like the moon, the faithful witness that stands watch in the night sky." [pause] [38] But what now? You have turned Your back and walked away! Your full fury burns against Your anointed king. [39] You made a covenant with Your servant, then renounced it, casting his sacred crown into the dust. [40] You have broken down the walls that protected Your servant; his defenses are reduced to a pile of rubble. [41] Strangers now plunder all that he has left; he has become a laughingstock among his neighbors. [42] You have made his adversaries strong. His enemies celebrate their victory. [43] You have dulled the blade of his sword, and You have not helped him stand strong in the battle. [44] You have brought his days of splendor to an abrupt end; You have toppled his throne; it sits in the dust. [45] You have cut short the days of his youth and have covered him with shame and despair. [pause] [46] How long must we endure, O Eternal One? Will You hide Yourself forever? How long will Your wrath burn like fire? [47] Remember my days are numbered. Have You created the children of Adam to live futile lives? [48] Death waits at the gate; who can escape and live? Does the grave hold exceptions for any of us? Who can deliver us from the power of the grave? [pause] [49] O Lord, where is the unfailing love You showed in times past? And where is the proof of Your faithfulness to David? [50] Remember how Your servants are ridiculed, O Lord; how I carry within me the insults of so many peoples. [51] Your enemies are mocking me, O Eternal One, mocking every step Your anointed one made. [52] Praise the Eternal always. Amen. Amen.