A Pilgrim's Song

Reading through the psalms of ascent, hearing from God, talking with people...I've been struck by the need to grow up, to leave old places (thoughts, attitudes, actions) and journey on with God. The following is my "psalm" - based loosely on the first few psalms of ascent and a lot on the theme of growing up.

Lord, I confess I need to grow up
I dwell in the land of whiners and complainers
Of those who like to gaze at their own reflections
who think so highly of their own estimation of themselves
The landscape around me is filled with gods and idols,
self-help and pop-psych
All whispering tantalizing promises of rescue

But it is You, O Lord, that I will fix my gaze upon
It is on Your words (or silence) I will place my trust
Upon You and only You will my gaze be fixed

So to You, Lord, I will bring worship
Though other voices call out for my allegiance,
I will bow my knees and heart before You and You alone
To worship during the day - in light and joy
To worship in darkness - in fear and despair
To give thanks to Your great name
-that is what it means to be one of Yours

I will trust Your judgments, Lord
For You are setting the world to right
You are establishing Your redemptive work for all creation
Nothing can stop You - even if it happens in ways I do not understand

To You will my eyes look
You are far above me and yet right next to me
You dwell in majesty and glory,
Yet You are the Potter who gets His hands dirty
as You carefully - creatively - shape our lives for Your glory

We will look to You and cry "mercy"
Give us mercy and not what we think we want
Give us mercy and not our petty whining and complaining choruses

We will look to You
trust in You
worship You
listen for You
and work with You in Your action.