Read the Bible

¹ I come to you, Lord,
for protection.
    Don't let me be ashamed.
    Do as you have promised
    and rescue me.
² Listen to my prayer
    and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rock^[a]
    and the fortress
    where I am safe.

³ You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
    and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
    so that your name
    will be honored.
⁴ Protect me from hidden traps
    and keep me safe.
⁵ You are faithful,
    and I trust you
    because you rescued me.

⁶ I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
    but I trust you, Lord.
⁷ I celebrate and shout
    because you are kind.
    You saw all my suffering,
    and you cared for me.
⁸ You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
    and you set me free.

⁹ Have pity, Lord!
I am hurting and almost blind.
    My whole body aches.
¹⁰ I have known only sorrow
all my life long,
and I suffer
    year after year.
    I am weak from sin,
    and my bones are limp.

¹¹ My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
    and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
    and they turn and run.
¹² I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
    I am merely a broken dish.
¹³ I hear the crowds whisper,
    "Everyone is afraid!"
    They are plotting and scheming
    to murder me.

¹⁴ But I trust you, Lord,
    and I claim you as my God.
¹⁵ My life is in your hands.
    Save me from enemies
    who hunt me down.
¹⁶ Smile on me, your servant.
    Have pity and rescue me.

¹⁷ I pray only to you.
    Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
    until they lie silent
    in their graves.
¹⁸ Silence those proud liars!
    Make them stop bragging
    and insulting your people.

¹⁹ You are wonderful,
    and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
    who honor and trust you.
²⁰ You are their shelter
    from harmful plots,
    and you are their protection
    from vicious gossip.

²¹ I will praise you, Lord,
    for showing great kindness
    when I was like a city
    under attack.
²² I was terrified and thought,
    "They've chased me
    far away from you!"
But you answered my prayer
    when I shouted for help.

²³ All who belong to the Lord,
    show how you love him.
The Lord protects the faithful,
    but he severely punishes
    everyone who is proud.
²⁴ All who trust the Lord,
    be cheerful and strong.