From Our Shoulders

Psalm 81:4-6 (NIV 1984):
4 this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance
of the God of Jacob.
5 He established it as a statute for
Joseph when he went out against Egypt,
where we heard a language we did not
understand.
6 He says, "I removed the burden from
their shoulders; their hands were set
free from the basket.

There is a burden that is a duty. ^
We do not shirk from dominion’s ruling, ^^
but should the time come when the subduing
hits hard terrain, then we look to Mercy.
Mercy of the Living God,
fall on us, from above!
Baptize us till courage runs,
overflowing from our cups!

If some are happy, there’s celebrating,
if some are mourning, we comfort moanings, +
but should the roaring of unseen crushing
come crashing o’er us, we look to Mercy. ++
Mercy of the Living God,
like lifting weights from our shoulders turned raw,
anchor us as Spirit lifts up
our hearts and heads in the Land of Living’s love.*
_________
^ Galatians 6:5
^^ Genesis 1:26
+ Romans 12:15
++ Psalms 51, sung by Sons of Korah:
* Psalm 3:3; Psalm 27:13-14