513. Spring Psalm

It was a balmy -27 degrees Fahrenheit this morning in my little town in northwest Minnesota. I heard someone mention the awful words "32 below" but I'm not sure how early they got up or how far they traveled from out of town. So it is with a yearning heart that I set about writing the third installment in my set of seasonal psalms. I have no particular tune in mind, which is usual for me but not a problem, because if I can't find an existing tune that fits it, I can certainly write one. But for now, without any musical association, I offer the following for review and comment.

For all things green and tender,
All youthful, fresh and new,
A hymn of praise we render
To God, whose word is true:
Who would not leave Your Favored
Forgotten in the grave,
His off'ring having savored
Our stricken world to save.

For all things warm, rich scented,
With bud and bloom ablaze,
Let anthems be presented
Through springtime's thriving days:
Come perilous temptation,
Come cross and passion's hour,
The Lord brings forth salvation
With dauntless joy and power.

Rise, all things lively, breathing
The Spirit of the Lord;
Rise up, with vigor seething,
Profess with one accord:
Christ is our resurrection;
To know Him is to live,
To drink of His perfection
And fruitful service give.