Psalm 25: Foothold

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Debra Rienstra won the Fuller Seminary School of Psychology Fortieth Anniversary hymn competition with this hymn text based on Psalm 25. Originally paired with the hymntune KINGSFOLD, I wrote a new tune in a jazz ballad style that brings out the more prayerful, pleading, and melancholic aspects of the words.

Text: Debra Rienstra, 2016, based on Psalm 25
Music: Greg Scheer
copyright June 9, 2016
CCLI #7084815
OneLicense #64335

1. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul,
let me never sink in shame.
Keep your strong hand near and my hope secure
on the foothold of your name.
Remember, Lord, your mercies old
for the failures of youth weigh down.
Show me truthful ways and fearless days;
lead me to the higher ground.

2. All the paths of God lead the lost along
through the knotted snares of death.
As you free our song and untie our bonds,
you confide a mystery yet.
O school us, Lord, in your healing word;
make us humble, holy, wise.
Show your promised grace to each tear-stained face,
for you hear our helpless cries.

3. In our loneliness, in the world’s distress,
to you, our hope, we turn.
Let us spread the fire of the Spirit’s power
and a fiercer courage learn.
Redeem us soon from affliction’s rule,
for we trust in you alone.
May we bear your peace till we dwell at ease
in you, our surest home.