I Am Thanking You God with a Heart That Is Full
Psalm 9
Text: John A. Dalles, August 16, 2010
Tune: SIMEON, PALESTINE, KAMPALA,
or “Believe Me If All Your Endearing Young Charms”
Meter: 12.9.12.9.D.
I am thanking you God with a heart that is full
While I joyfully join in your song.
I am praising You, God, for your greatness, and all
Of the ways you have blessed me lifelong!
There were days when my enemies turned and they ran,
When they stumbled and fell on their face,
You set everything right, it was all to your plan,
I was saved, by your mercy and grace!
You have stopped angry nations and stifled their wrath,
As forever in justice you reign.
I am praising you God for your great righteousness,
Keep me with you, and with me, remain!
Those who honor your name will forevermore trust,
When they bow down and fall on their face,
You set everything right and you never forsake,
Those who call on your mercy and grace!
O sing praise to the Lord, who is sovereign of all,
And proclaim to the world God’s great deeds!
For God reconciles goodness, and answers each call
Of afflicted ones bringing their needs.
While the schemers are caught in the snares they have set,
And descend to the depths in disgrace,
You set everything right and you never forsake,
Those who call on your mercy and grace!
If the day’s work is weary, the nighttime is long,
And my glimpses of joy are but few,
I will stop and remember, and still sing this song,
God, forevermore I will praise you!
I am thanking you God with a heart that is full
While I joyfully join in your song.
I am praising You, God for your greatness, and all
Of the ways you have blessed me lifelong!
Copyright © 2010, John A. Dalles
...
Written in response to a request for a new metrical version of Psalm 9.
While the three hymn tunes listed as possible tunes are each perfectly acceptable, the text lends itself beautifully to the lovely old song:
"Believe Me If All Your Endearing Young Charms"
...
As many hymn writers know, there has been a kind of disdain placed on "I and me" language in modern texts, with the preference of hymnal committees and editors for "We and us" language. While this is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of corporate worship, such a prohibition of singular pronouns can miss the impact of Scripture, especially, the psalms. The personal assurance and trust that is so intrinsic to Psalm 9 is much clearer when expressed in this way.
How Would We Know That Jesus Heals