Breath and Bound

"O LORD my God, Thou... laid the foundations of the earth… Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment… Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth… Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening… Thou takest away their breath, they die" (Psalm 104:1-9,23,29).  "He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment" (Proverbs 8:29).  "Behold, I send you forth… Fear ye not therefore" (Matthew 10:16,31). 

The Lord who laid the earth's foundation

And clothed it with the ocean's depth

Has sent us with His proclamation

As long as He shall give us breath. 

The bound that God the Lord decreed

Restrained the waters of the flood, 

And He allots the time we need

To preach redemption by His blood.  

God sets a bound upon our days;

Our breaths all have a finite number, 

So let us use them for His praise

Instead of carelessness and slumber.   

Lord, grant us grace each day we live

Until You gather us above,   

With every breath and bound You give

To fearlessly proclaim Your love.