1 Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be—

you get a fresh start,

your slate’s wiped clean.

2 Count yourself lucky—

God holds nothing against you

and you’re holding nothing back from him.

3 When I kept it all inside,

my bones turned to powder,

my words became daylong groans.

4 The pressure never let up;

all the juices of my life dried up.

5 Then I let it all out;

I said, "I’ll come clean about my failures to God."

Suddenly the pressure was gone—

my guilt dissolved,

my sin disappeared.

6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;

when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts

we’ll be on high ground, untouched.

7 God’s my island hideaway,

keeps danger far from the shore,

throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.

8 Let me give you some good advice;

I’m looking you in the eye

and giving it to you straight:

9 "Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule

that needs bit and bridle

to stay on track."

10 God-defiers are always in trouble;

God-affirmers find themselves loved

every time they turn around.

11 Celebrate God.

Sing together—everyone!

All you honest hearts, raise the roof!