[1] I love the LORD because he hears my requests for mercy. [2] I’ll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me. [3] Death’s ropes bound me; the distress of the grave found me—I came face-to-face with trouble and grief. [4] So I called on the LORD’s name: “LORD, please save me!” [5] The LORD is merciful and righteous; our God is compassionate. [6] The LORD protects simple folk; he saves me whenever I am brought down. [7] I tell myself, You can be at peace again, because the LORD has been good to you. [8] You, God, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, and my foot from stumbling, [9] so I’ll walk before the LORD in the land of the living. [10] I have remained faithful, even when I said, “I am suffering so badly!” [11] even when I said, out of fear, “Everyone is a liar!” [12] What can I give back to the LORD for all the good things he has done for me? [13] I’ll lift up the cup of salvation. I’ll call on the LORD’s name. [14] I’ll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God’s people. [15] The death of the LORD’s faithful is a costly loss in his eyes. [16] Oh yes, LORD, I am definitely your servant! I am your servant and the son of your female servant—you’ve freed me from my chains. [17] So I’ll offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you, and I’ll call on the LORD’s name. [18] I’ll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God’s people, [19] in the courtyards of the LORD’s house, which is in the center of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
