PSALM OF THE JOURNEY

PSALM OF THE JOURNEY

1. The motorway stretches out in front of me:

I see through the windows the distant hills.

2. It's your creation, God, that extends in every direction:

my world fits into your landscape.

3. The hills surround me on every side:

they make me feel safe and protected,

4. they stand sure and unchanging:

we may try to alter them, but we don't entirely succeed!

5. In the same way, you are my protector:

firm and unchanging is your presence about me,

6. for your love never fails:

you hold me always secure however far I travel.

7. The fields look green and pleasant on either side:

your creation is very good.

8. While your sun shines around us, this is the place to be:

the country is bright and beautiful.

9. It looks like my dream of delight:

the farm beside the copse, the church below the hill;

10. or is that only my fantasy and ideal:

our community's nostalgia for days we never knew?

11. The countryside brings me closer to you:

your goodness is clear in the balance of nature;

12. for your beauty surrounds me every day:

when I recognise your presence everything is perfect.

13. The roadway climbs through the mountains:

there is snow in the gullies in spite of the sunshine.

14. The moorland reaches as far as eye can see:

up to the skyline there's nothing, no sign of habitation.

15. This view gives me a feeling of freedom:

the open country around me helps me be open to you,

16. as Moses found you on the sacred mountain:

so your presence is clear to me in the rolling hills.

17. When you are with me, I'm an open landscape:

relaxing makes me aware of your strengthening Spirit,

18. you are freedom for me to be as I really am:

this countryside is like the wideness of your gracious love.

19. Now I'm completely engulfed by dark satanic mills:

the world of human creation becomes the total environment.

20. Some people say it was you who made the country:

and your creation was spoilt by the work of humanity!

21. Yet there is beauty here in this curving bridge:

buildings are signs of your inspiration,

22. the road by which I travel has its own line and feature:

design and structure are symbols of your guiding hand.

23. You are close to me also in the teeming city:

there are so many people and you are friend of all.

24. Everywhere I look, there are you:

in everything that surrounds me your presence is shining out.