[1] Rejoice in the LORD, good people! It is only right for good people to praise him. [2] Play the lyre and praise the LORD. Play the ten-stringed harp for him. [3] Sing a new song to him. Play it well and sing it loud! [4] The LORD's word is true, and he is faithful in everything he does. [5] He loves goodness and justice. The LORD's faithful love fills the earth. [6] The LORD spoke the command, and the world was made. The breath from his mouth created everything in the heavens. [7] He gathered together the water of the sea. He put the ocean in its place. [8] Everyone on earth should fear and respect the LORD. All the people in the world should fear him, [9] because when he speaks, things happen. And if he says, "Stop!"-then it stops. [10] The LORD can ruin every decision the nations make. He can spoil all their plans. [11] But the LORD's decisions are good forever. His plans are good for generation after generation. [12] Great blessings belong to those who have the LORD as their God! He chose them to be his own special people. [13] The LORD looked down from heaven and saw all the people. [14] From his high throne he looked down at all the people living on earth. [15] He created every person's mind, and he knows what each one is doing. [16] A king is not saved by the power of his army. A soldier does not survive by his own great strength. [17] Horses don't really bring victory in war. Their strength cannot help you escape. [18] The LORD watches over his followers, those who wait for him to show his faithful love. [19] He saves them from death. He gives them strength when they are hungry. [20] So we will wait for the LORD. He helps us and protects us. [21] He makes us happy. We trust his holy name. [22] LORD, we worship you, so show your great love for us.
