Psalm 118:1-29 VOICE

[1] Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind. [2] Let the people of Israel proclaim: "He never ceases to be loving and kind." [3] Let the priests of Aaron's line proclaim: "He never ceases to be loving and kind." [4] Let the people who fear the Eternal proclaim: "He never ceases to be loving and kind." [5] When trouble surrounded me, I cried out to the Eternal; He answered me and brought me to a wide, open space. [6] The Eternal is with me, so I will not be afraid of anything. If God is on my side, how can anyone hurt me? [7] The Eternal is on my side, a champion for my cause; so when I look at those who hate me, victory will be in sight. [8] It is better to put your faith in the Eternal for your security than to trust in people. [9] It is better to put your faith in Him for your security than to trust in princes. [10] All these nations surround me, squeezing me from all sides; with the name of the Eternal, I will destroy them. [11] They rose up against me, squeezed me from all sides, yes, from all sides; with the name of the Eternal, I will destroy them. [12] They surrounded me like a swarm of bees; they were destroyed quickly and thoroughly- Flaring up like a pile of thorns- with the name of the Eternal, I will destroy them. [13] I was pushed back, attacked so that I was about to fall, but the Eternal was there to help me keep my balance. [14] He is my strength, and He is the reason I sing; He has been there to save me in every situation. [15] In the tents of the righteous soldiers of God, there are shouts of joy and victory. They sing: "The right hand of the Eternal has shown His power. [16] The mighty arm of the Eternal is raised in victory; the right hand of His has shown His power." [17] I will not die. I will live. I will live to tell about all the Eternal has done. [18] The Eternal has taught me many lessons; He has been strict and severe, but even in His discipline, He has not allowed me to die. [19] Open wide to me the gates of justice so that I may walk through them and offer praise and worship to the Eternal. [20] This is the gate of the Eternal; the righteous children of God will go through it. [21] I will praise You because You answered me when I was in trouble. You have become my salvation. [22] The stone that the builders rejected has become the very stone that holds together the entire foundation. [23] This is the work of the Eternal, and it is marvelous in our eyes. [24] This is the day the Eternal God has made; let us celebrate and be happy today. [25] O Eternal One, save us, we beg You. O Eternal One, we beg You, bring us success! [26] He who comes in the name of the Eternal will be blessed; we have blessed You from the house of the Eternal. [27] The Eternal is the True God; He shines His light on us. Let the feast begin. Bring the sacrifice, and tie it to the horns of the altar. [28] You are my God, and I give You thanks; You are my God, and I praise You. [29] Give thanks to our Eternal Lord; He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.