As the Worm Turns: Psalm 85

You’ve given all that I can ask,
    And then you’ve given more.
You’ve opened up your holy cask,
    And on me love doth pour.

But faithfulness is not my way,
    I often reject you.
And though you give me breath each day,
    I each day sin anew.

What putrid worm within my soul
    Whose passing leaves dark sin,
Rejects your love that makes me whole
    Then burrows deep again?

It burrows to the place I choose
    Where sinful passions thrive.
As every inch to him I lose—
    I falsely seem alive.

Behind him does my folly grow,
    False life that leads to death.
Then I in wretched tunnels know
    My only hope’s your breath.

Your breath that blows the sin from me
    And gives to me new life,
And for a time I turn to thee
    Away from all my strife.

Then holy, pure, and righteous, I
    Walk daily on life’s path.
My hope eternal lifted high,
    For you have stayed your wrath.

But even though your steadfast love
    Flows freely from your hand
And righteousness pours from above,
    My heart can’t worm withstand.

If can’t or won’t I true know not,
    The worm within me lies.
It’s digging deep to my heart’s rot,
    Eternal soul’s demise.

Don’t stay your hand so long, my Lord,
    Please kill the filthy worm.
And then in me will be restored
    A faithfulness that’s firm.