a poetic reinterpretation

praying psalm 1 with the understanding that sometimes wicked self-judgment is what leads us down our own paths of devastation–and God’s gentle grace is powerful enough to dissipate our storms of self-doubt.
Contentment and peaceful joy
awaken in us when we
are not taken in by the whispers
of Not Good Enough, when we
stay off the well-worn path
of Self-Criticism and Abdication.
We revel in life and love-
God’s graceful path-
surrounded by compassion,
lovingkindness
through unfiltered day
and restless night.
Love is the eternal river
that flows ever beneath the surface
Love draws our roots
toward God’s fathomless depths
resilient roots, weather every storm.
It is Love that awakens life
verdant hope.
Vicious self-judgment threatens to break us
though it has no substance of its own
It only takes a breath
for thoughts to die
They cannot remain
their lies exposed
through the courage of compassionate Love.
Jennifer W. Davidson
Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash