Three Poems Each of these poems is written in the style of a psalm. The first two I wrote at Lake Tahoe while on a summer project with Campus Crusade for Christ. I'm not sure exactly when or where the third one was written, except that it was sometime after the first two. Poem 1 Poem 2 Poem 3

Poem 1 The name of the Lord is holy; He is worthy of praise. The actions of my God are righteous and the works of His hand are just; He is worthy of glory. Glory and majesty belong to the Lord my King, for the words of His mouth are righteous. He is crowned with holiness, and robed in righteousness. I have sought the Lord. In my distress I cried out to Him and He heard me. He lifted me out of my despair and set my foot high upon a rock. He rescued me from the overwhelming flood and kept me safe on dry ground. The Lord is my God, whom shall I fear? Shall I tremble when evil draws near me, or when wicked men threaten my life? I will call upon the Lord in the day of my distress; upon His holy name in the midst of my foes, and He will hear my cry and save me. For His name's sake He will rescue me. The Lord my Savior is my stronghold; my redeemer is a mighty fortress. Though death and destruction surround me He will keep me safe. Who is like the Lord? And who has given Him counsel. or been His advisor? You created the heavens and the earth, O Lord; You spoke and they came into being. You commanded them to be and they were. By your hand you set the boundary for the sea, and said, "This far you may go and no farther." The stars in the heavens obey You Lord; the sun and the moon give their light at Your command. They proclaim the glory of your majesty and the awesome power of Your mighty hand. You have compassion O Lord on all You have created, and every living thing You love. You rescued me from the pit because You love me. Because of Your love I am redeemed. You have removed my sin from me so far that it can not be recalled. Because of the mercy You showed me my sins have been forgotten. Because of Your love for me You do not remember them. Therefore I will praise You O God my redeemer. I will sing praises unto the Lord for He rescued me from the pit and renewed my life. I will sing praises to the Lord all the days of my life and tell of the glory of His righteousness. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. © 1986, Joe Jefferson. All rights reserved.

Poem 2 Great is the Lord and most worthy to be praised. There is no one like our Lord; not even one. No one is righteous in His sight. All alike have turned away, each one to his own direction. If only the people would once again turn to the Lord to seek His face. Then He would comfort them and once more shower them with blessings. Then they would know that the Lord is God; they would sing of His righteousness to all generations. The Lord has set His servant David on an unshakable throne and declared that he will reign for ever and ever. Our God has established His kingdom forever and made His enemies a footstool for His feet. Therefore my mouth will sing praises to the Lord; to the God of Israel I will give thanks. © 1986, Joe Jefferson. All rights reserved.

Poem 3 I praise you Lord, for you alone are worthy to be praised; In your presence there is peace. You are glorious in your majesty, And in the splendor of your holy name. How can I keep silent? How can I be still? I will praise the Lord my king as long as I live. For you O Lord have done great things. You brought your people up out of captivity And led them through the waters. Though the water piled up on both sides of them Yet not one of them was drowned. They only watched, And saw the destruction of all those who opposed the name of the Lord. You O Lord have set the heavens in their place You guide every star in its course. Though they outnumber the grains of sand, you know them all. You call each one by name. Not one is missing when you lead them forth. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every tongue exalt him and say, "The Lord be praised." You love every one who knows you Lord. And every heart that is pure you will bless. © 1986, Joe Jefferson. All rights reserved.