[1] Lord, you are my refuge! Don't let me down! [2] Save me from my enemies, for you are just! Rescue me! Bend down your ear and listen to my plea and save me. [3] Be to me a great protecting Rock, where I am always welcome, safe from all attacks. For you have issued the order to save me. [4] Rescue me, O God, from these unjust and cruel men. [5] O Lord, you alone are my hope; I've trusted you from childhood. [6] Yes, you have been with me from birth and have helped me constantly-no wonder I am always praising you! [7] My success-at which so many stand amazed-is because you are my mighty protector. [8] All day long I'll praise and honor you, O God, for all that you have done for me. [9] And now, in my old age, don't set me aside. Don't forsake me now when my strength is failing. [10] My enemies are whispering, [11] "God has forsaken him! Now we can get him. There is no one to help him now!" [12] O God, don't stay away! Come quickly! Help! [13] Destroy them! Cover them with failure and disgrace-these enemies of mine. [14] I will keep on expecting you to help me. I praise you more and more. [15] I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger. I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care. [16] I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I tell everyone that you alone are just and good. [17] O God, you have helped me from my earliest childhood-and I have constantly testified to others of the wonderful things you do. [18] And now that I am old and gray, don't forsake me. Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles. [19] Your power and goodness, Lord, reach to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Where is there another God like you? [20] You have let me sink down deep in desperate problems. But you will bring me back to life again, up from the depths of the earth. [21] You will give me greater honor than before and turn again and comfort me. [22] I will praise you with music, telling of your faithfulness to all your promises, O Holy One of Israel. [23] I will shout and sing your praises for redeeming me. [24] I will talk to others all day long about your justice and your goodness. For all who tried to hurt me have been disgraced and dishonored.
