[1] I called to the LORD, and he heard me. He heard my cries. [2] He lifted me out of the grave. He lifted me from that muddy place. He picked me up, put me on solid ground, and kept my feet from slipping. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see what he did and worship him. They will put their trust in the LORD. [4] Great blessings belong to those who trust in the LORD, for those who do not turn to demons and false gods for help. [5] LORD my God, you have done many amazing things! You have made great plans for us-too many to list. I could talk on and on about them, because there are too many to count. [6] Lord, you made me understand this: You don't really want sacrifices and grain offerings. You don't want burnt offerings and sin offerings. [7] So I said, "Here I am, ready to do what was written about me in the book. [8] My God, I am happy to do whatever you want. I never stop thinking about your teachings." [9] I told the good news of victory to the people in the great assembly. And, LORD, you know that I will never stop telling that good news. [10] I told about the good things you did. I did not hide these things in my heart. I spoke of how you can be trusted to save us. I did not hide your love and loyalty from those in the great assembly. [11] LORD, do not hide your mercy from me. Let your love and loyalty always protect me. [12] Troubles have surrounded me. They are too many to count! My sins have caught me, and I cannot escape them. They are more than the hairs on my head. I have lost my courage. [13] Please, LORD, rescue me! LORD, hurry and help me! [14] People are trying to kill me. Please disappoint them. Humiliate them completely! They wanted to hurt me. Make them run away in shame! [15] May those who make fun of me be too embarrassed to speak! [16] But may those who come to you be happy and rejoice. May those who love being saved by you always be able to say, "Praise the LORD!" [17] My Lord, I am only a poor, helpless man, but please pay attention to me. You are my helper, the one who can save me. My God, don't be too late.
