Today, friends, we jump ahead by one day from our usual Friday Poetry custom to hear verse that speaks of trust in God. The first poem is the beautiful 125th psalm, which compares the the trusting soul to the sturdy Mt. Zion, surrounded by the care of the Lord. Then the 19th century Scottish pastor and wordsmith, Norman McLeod, encourages his reader that very sturdiness of soul.
Psalm 125
“Those trusting in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
unshakable, forever enduring.
2 As mountains surround Jerusalem,
the Lord surrounds His people
both now and forever.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not prevail
in the land allotted to the just,
Lest the just themselves
turn their hands to evil.
4 Do good, Lord, to the good,
to those who are upright of heart.
5 But those who turn aside to crooked ways
may the Lord send down with the evildoers.
Peace upon Israel!“
Trust in God and Do the Right
(by Norman McLeod)
Courage, brother, do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble--
Trust in God and do the right.
Though the road be long and dreary,
And the end be out of sight;
Foot it bravely, strong or weary--
Trust in God and do the right.
Perish "policy" and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light;
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.
Shun all forms of guilty passion,
Fiends can look like angels bright;
Heed no custom, school, or fashion--
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man and look above thee,
Trust in God and do the right.
Simple rule and safest guiding--
Inward peace and shining light--
Star upon our path abiding--
TRUST IN GOD AND DO THE RIGHT.