Psalm 31:1-24 GNT

[1] I come to you, LORD, for protection; never let me be defeated. You are a righteous God; save me, I pray! [2] Hear me! Save me now! Be my refuge to protect me; my defense to save me. [3] You are my refuge and defense; guide me and lead me as you have promised. [4] Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me; shelter me from danger. [5] I place myself in your care. You will save me, LORD; you are a faithful God. [6] You hate those who worship false gods, but I trust in you. [7] I will be glad and rejoice because of your constant love. You see my suffering; you know my trouble. [8] You have not let my enemies capture me; you have given me freedom to go where I wish. [9] Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in trouble; my eyes are tired from so much crying; I am completely worn out. [10] I am exhausted by sorrow, and weeping has shortened my life. I am weak from all my troubles; even my bones are wasting away. [11] All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt. Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away. [12] Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away. [13] I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all around me. They are making plans against me, plotting to kill me. [14] But my trust is in you, O LORD; you are my God. [15] I am always in your care; save me from my enemies, from those who persecute me. [16] Look on your servant with kindness; save me in your constant love. [17] I call to you, LORD; don't let me be disgraced. May the wicked be disgraced; may they go silently down to the world of the dead. [18] Silence those liars- all the proud and arrogant who speak with contempt about the righteous. [19] How wonderful are the good things you keep for those who honor you! Everyone knows how good you are, how securely you protect those who trust you. [20] You hide them in the safety of your presence from the plots of others; in a safe shelter you hide them from the insults of their enemies. [21] Praise the LORD! How wonderfully he showed his love for me when I was surrounded and attacked! [22] I was afraid and thought that he had driven me out of his presence. But he heard my cry, when I called to him for help. [23] Love the LORD, all his faithful people. The LORD protects the faithful, but punishes the proud as they deserve. [24] Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.