Psalm 31:1-24 GW

[1] I have taken refuge in you, O LORD. Never let me be put to shame. Save me because of your righteousness. [2] Turn your ear toward me. Rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. [3] Indeed, you are my rock and my fortress. For the sake of your name, lead me and guide me. [4] You are my refuge, so pull me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me. [5] Into your hands I entrust my spirit. You have rescued me, O LORD, God of truth. [6] I hate those who cling to false gods, but I trust the LORD. [7] I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. You have seen my misery. You have known the troubles in my soul. [8] You have not handed me over to the enemy. You have set my feet in a place where I can move freely. [9] Have pity on me, O LORD, because I am in distress. My eyes, my soul, and my body waste away from grief. [10] My life is exhausted from sorrow, my years from groaning. My strength staggers under the weight of my guilt, and my bones waste away. [11] I have become a disgrace because of all my opponents. I have become someone dreaded by my friends, even by my neighbors. Those who see me on the street run away from me. [12] I have faded from memory as if I were dead and have become like a piece of broken pottery. [13] I have heard the whispering of many people- terror on every side- while they made plans together against me. They were plotting to take my life. [14] I trust you, O LORD. I said, "You are my God." [15] My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me. [16] Smile on me. Save me with your mercy. [17] O LORD, I have called on you, so do not let me be put to shame. Let wicked people be put to shame. Let them be silent in the grave. [18] Let their lying lips be speechless, since they speak against righteous people with arrogance and contempt. [19] Your kindness is so great! You reserve it for those who fear you. Adam's descendants watch as you show it to those who take refuge in you. [20] You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who scheme against them. You keep them in a shelter, safe from quarrelsome tongues. [21] Thank the LORD! He has shown me the miracle of his mercy in a city under attack. [22] When I was panic-stricken, I said, "I have been cut off from your sight." But you heard my pleas for mercy when I cried out to you for help. [23] Love the LORD, all you godly ones! The LORD protects faithful people, but he pays back in full those who act arrogantly. [24] Be strong, all who wait with hope for the LORD, and let your heart be courageous.