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How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
Psalm 18 is an exuberant testimony of how God “reached down” to rescue and deliver one who cried out in distress to God: “I was attacked, . . . but God rescued me,” and the triumphant refrain: “O Lord, my strength, I love you, God, my rock.” This most popular psalm in Pakistan is especially beloved by the small and often poor Christian minority there; many are illiterate, but most know this long psalm by heart and sing it frequently. In 2009, Emily Brink heard this sung at a youth group meeting, in a church, and at a worship conference, each time sung from memory—and this is a long psalm! She was hosted by Rev. Eric Sarwar, a Presbyterian pastor who was attacked later that year. In 2010, his parents and wife were attacked as well. They took comfort in this psalm praising God’s providence, safety, power, deliverance, and kindness. Sarwar wrote: “In our context of living below the poverty line and facing discrimination and hard challenges every day, it gives hope and encouragement.” The melody is simple and catchy, and the refrain soars with joy. Eric Sarwar and Emily Brink prepared this setting as a testimony of hope for the faithfulness of God, who hears the cries of those who call out for help and deliverance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the whole world is crying out to God for deliverance and hope, this psalm offers continuing hope and encouragement.
The striking imagery in Psalm 18 of God’s work in lifting up the lowly and casting down enemies resemble the canticles of Hannah and Mary. Consider singing as a testimony when preaching on the life of David (see 2 Sam. 22); in praise of Christ’s victory over sin and death; and in solidarity and hope with any who continue to cry out to God for deliverance.
Text and Music: Psalm 18; Eric Sarwar; English tr. Emily Brink, © Eric Sarwar and Emily Brink
Jared Ortiz, professor at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, describes the Nicene Creed as a dramatic and powerful statement where every word is like a declaration of war, saying yes to the truth and no to many falsehoods.
Jane Williams, professor of theology at St. Mellitus College in London, England, sees the Nicene Creed, crafted 1700 years ago, as an extraordinary creative and exciting description of who God is and therefore what we trust in as Christians in God's world.
Maria Eugenia Cornou and Mikie Roberts serve on a planning team for an October worship event in Egypt to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the ecumenical creed that emerged in the year 325 and remains firmly embedded in the worship practices of the church today.
Jared Ortiz, professor at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, describes the Nicene Creed as a dramatic and powerful statement where every word is like a declaration of war, saying yes to the truth and no to many falsehoods.
Jane Williams, professor of theology at St. Mellitus College in London, England, sees the Nicene Creed, crafted 1700 years ago, as an extraordinary creative and exciting description of who God is and therefore what we trust in as Christians in God's world.
Maria Eugenia Cornou and Mikie Roberts serve on a planning team for an October worship event in Egypt to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the ecumenical creed that emerged in the year 325 and remains firmly embedded in the worship practices of the church today.
This expression of Psalm 148 was submitted by Ed Willmington, who wrote it with Clayton J. Schmit. The nature of Psalm 148 is total exuberance as all of nature offers praise to God.
