Giver of life brings life anew
by Pastor Peter Bean
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Because your love is better than life, I will praise you (Psalm 63:3).
Read Psalm 63:1–8
The Book of Psalms, sometimes known as the prayer book of the Bible, is written in a historical context. The psalms cover various situations and a wide range of emotions. Sometimes, they speak to our situations; sometimes, they can be confusing.
As you read a psalm, I encourage you to ask questions like:
- What surprises me?
- How does this psalm speak to me?
- If I put it into my own words, how would it read?
Our advantage is that we are reading from a post-resurrection point of view. We know Christ covers all the situations and emotions, as revealed in the Book of Psalms. We know love that is better than life; we can praise him.
I want to encourage you to try to put the psalm into your own words. Make it specific for you: meaningful, reflective and honest! For your reflection, I have included my paraphrase of Psalm 63:1–8 below. Perhaps first read it in your preferred Bible version, asking the questions listed above, and then read the paraphrase. Then, be brave and attempt to put it into your own words.
Psalm 63 – a paraphrase
Giver of Life, give me Life!
In the middle of living, I know
there is something better.
My whole being longs for this Living Water
to relieve my thirst.
I have encountered you in creation,
in people, in stories, in buildings –
everywhere – your Presence, your Protection.
The Life you give is full
of love, kindness, generosity, mercy.
Words flow forth in praise.
Continually, I want to share your love
in action, service, living.
What a feast – best food, best wine –
generosity flows; so does song and word.
Awake, imagining the stars in their brightness,
I think of your beauty in creation.
Support wherever I go
allows me freedom and true Life.
My being, surrounded by your Presence,
knows protection and safety.
Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your love that is better than life; we praise you. Amen.
In the early months of the year, Peter is often out in the garden, watering, picking, pruning – chasing the birds away from his fruit! Or he could be indoors stewing, drying and preserving. Peter also enjoys walking the dog, riding his bike, reading and spending time with his family. To keep himself out of mischief, he is teaching himself piano and writing a paraphrase of each psalm – he is now up to Psalm 80.
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