[1] God, hear my prayer. Don't ignore my cry for help. [2] Please listen and answer me. Let me speak to you and tell you what upsets me. [3] My enemies shout at me and threaten me. In their anger they attack me. They bring troubles crashing down on me. [4] My heart is pounding inside me. I am afraid to die. [5] I am trembling with fear. I am terrified! [6] Oh, I wish I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and find a place to rest. [7] I would go far into the desert and stay there. Selah [8] I would run away. I would escape from this storm of trouble. [9] My Lord, confuse their words and stop their plans. I see so much cruelty and fighting in this city. [10] Day and night, in every neighborhood, the city is filled with evil and trouble. [11] There is so much crime in the streets. People who hurt and cheat others are everywhere. [12] If it were an enemy insulting me, I could bear it. If it were my enemies attacking me, I could hide. [13] But it is you, the one so close to me, my companion, my good friend, who does this. [14] We used to share our secrets with one another, as we walked through the crowds together in God's Temple. [15] I wish death would take my enemies by surprise! I wish the earth would open up and swallow them alive, because they plan such terrible things together. [16] I will call to God for help, and the LORD will save me. [17] I speak to God morning, noon, and night. I tell him what upsets me, and he listens to me! [18] I have fought in many battles, but he has always rescued me and brought me back safely. [19] God, who has always ruled as king, will hear me and punish my enemies. Selah But they will never change. They don't fear and respect God. [20] This one who was once my friend now attacks his friends. He is breaking every promise he made. [21] His words about peace are as smooth as butter, but he has only war on his mind. His words are as slick as oil, but they cut like a knife. [22] Give your worries to the LORD, and he will care for you. He will never let those who are good be defeated. [23] But, God, you will send those liars and murderers to the grave. They will die before their life is half finished! As for me, I will put my trust in you.
