Read the Bible

¹ I waited patiently for the Lord's help;
    then he listened to me and heard my cry.
² He pulled me out of a dangerous pit,
    out of the deadly quicksand.
He set me safely on a rock
    and made me secure.
³ He taught me to sing a new song,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many who see this will take warning
    and will put their trust in the Lord.

⁴ Happy are those who trust the Lord,
    who do not turn to idols
    or join those who worship false gods.
⁵ You have done many things for us, O Lord our God;
    there is no one like you!
    You have made many wonderful plans for us.
I could never speak of them all—
    their number is so great!

^6 (a)You do not want sacrifices and offerings;
    you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar
    or for sacrifices to take away sins.
Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,
⁷     and so I answered, "Here I am;
    your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.^[b]
8 How I love to do your will, my God!
    I keep your teaching in my heart."

⁹ In the assembly of all your people, Lord,
    I told the good news that you save us.
    You know that I will never stop telling it.
¹⁰ I have not kept the news of salvation to myself;
    I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help.
In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent
    about your loyalty and constant love.

¹¹ Lord, I know you will never stop being merciful to me.
    Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

¹² I am surrounded by many troubles—
    too many to count!
My sins have caught up with me,
    and I can no longer see;
they are more than the hairs of my head,
    and I have lost my courage.
¹³ Save me, Lord! Help me now!
¹⁴ May those who try to kill me
    be completely defeated and confused.
May those who are happy because of my troubles
    be turned back and disgraced.
¹⁵ May those who make fun of me
    be dismayed by their defeat.

¹⁶ May all who come to you
    be glad and joyful.
May all who are thankful for your salvation
    always say, "How great is the Lord!"

¹⁷ I am weak and poor, O Lord,
    but you have not forgotten me.
You are my savior and my God—
    hurry to my aid!