[1] Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful. [2] Let Israel shout, "God is always merciful!" [3] Let the family of Aaron the priest shout, "God is always merciful!" [4] Let every true worshiper of the LORD shout, "God is always merciful!" [5] When I was really hurting, I prayed to the LORD. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. [6] The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. [7] With the LORD on my side, I will defeat all of my hateful enemies. [8] It is better to trust the LORD for protection than to trust anyone else, [9] including strong leaders. [10] Nations surrounded me, but I got rid of them by the power of the LORD. [11] They attacked from all sides, but I got rid of them by the power of the LORD. [12] They swarmed around like bees, but by the power of the LORD, I got rid of them and their fiery sting. [13] Their attacks were so fierce that I nearly fell, but the LORD helped me. [14] My power and my strength come from the LORD, and he has saved me. [15] From the tents of God's people come shouts of victory: "The LORD is powerful! [16] With his mighty arm the LORD wins victories! The LORD is powerful!" [17] And so my life is safe, and I will live to tell what the LORD has done. [18] He punished me terribly, but he did not let death lay its hands on me. [19] Open the gates of justice! I will enter and tell the LORD how thankful I am. [20] Here is the gate of the LORD! Everyone who does right may enter this gate. [21] I praise the LORD for answering my prayers and saving me. [22] The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. [23] The LORD has done this, and it is amazing to us. [24] This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today. [25] We'll ask the LORD to save us! We'll sincerely ask the LORD to let us win. [26] God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! We praise you from here in the house of the LORD. [27] The LORD is our God, and he has given us light! Start the celebration! March with palm branches all the way to the altar. [28] The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. [29] Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.
