[1] I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the LORD. [4] Happy is the person who trusts the LORD, who doesn't turn to those who are proud or to those who worship false gods. [5] LORD my God, you have done many miracles. Your plans for us are many. If I tried to tell them all, there would be too many to count. [6] You do not want sacrifices and offerings. But you have made a hole in my ear to show that my body and life are yours. You do not ask for burnt offerings and sacrifices to take away sins. [7] Then I said, "Look, I have come. It is written about me in the book. [8] My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart." [9] I will tell about your goodness in the great meeting of your people. LORD, you know my lips are not silent. [10] I do not hide your goodness in my heart; I speak about your loyalty and salvation. I do not hide your love and truth from the people in the great meeting. [11] LORD, do not hold back your mercy from me; let your love and truth always protect me. [12] Troubles have surrounded me; there are too many to count. My sins have caught me so that I cannot see a way to escape. I have more sins than hairs on my head, and I have lost my courage. [13] Please, LORD, save me. Hurry, LORD, to help me. [14] People are trying to kill me. Shame them and disgrace them. People want to hurt me. Let them run away in disgrace. [15] People are making fun of me. Let them be shamed into silence. [16] But let those who follow you be happy and glad. They love you for saving them. May they always say, "Praise the LORD!" [17] Lord, because I am poor and helpless, please remember me. You are my helper and savior. My God, do not wait.
