[1] Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't reject my request. [2] Please listen and help me. My thoughts are troubled, and I keep groaning [3] because my loud enemies shout and attack. They treat me terribly and hold angry grudges. [4] My heart is racing fast, and I am afraid of dying. [5] I am trembling with fear, completely terrified. [6] I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly far away and be at peace. [7] I would go and live in some distant desert. [8] I would quickly find shelter from howling winds and raging storms. [9] Confuse my enemies, Lord! Upset their plans. Cruelty and violence are all I see in the city, [10] and they are like guards on patrol day and night. The city is full of trouble, evil, [11] and corruption. Troublemakers and liars freely roam the streets. [12] My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them. [13] But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most. [14] We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God. [15] All who hate me are controlled by the power of evil. Sentence them to death and send them down alive to the world of the dead. [16] I ask for your help, LORD God, and you will keep me safe. [17] Morning, noon, and night you hear my concerns and my complaints. [18] I am attacked from all sides, but you will rescue me unharmed by the battle. [19] You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won't turn and worship you. [20] My friend turned against me and broke his promise. [21] His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword. [22] Our LORD, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won't let us fall. [23] But what about those people who are cruel and brutal? You will throw them down into the deepest pit long before their time. I trust you, LORD!
