Psalm 4

Easter 3 – Year B

Psalm 4

Here are two alternatives to the closing three verses (6-8).

6          Am I crazy? Am I a fool?
     Some would say so. They doubt you.
7          But I know the peace I felt when you opened your door
     and the warmth when you invited me to share your table.
8          I can let my eyes close.
     In your home, I am at home.

From Everyday Psalms by Jim Taylor

6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
          "More, more."
          I have God's more-than-enough,
          More joy in one ordinary day

7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
          At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
          For you, God, have put my life back together.

From The Message by Eugene Peterson

When writers and poets get hold of good material it can end up moving in several different directions. Jim's take tends in the direction of the Emmaus story, while Eugene's has more in common with the leaping lame in Acts.

What take do you see? It will be interesting to compare that with what you would have seen a year ago and what you might come to in another year. A literal approach to the Psalms is particularly deadly. May it continue coming alive in your time and may you launch forth from your current place of safety.