PSALM 31
1In you, O Lord , I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
3Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord , the God of truth.
6I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord .
7I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
8You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9Be merciful to me, O Lord , for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.
10My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.
11Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends- those who see me on the street flee from me.
12I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.
13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.
14But I trust in you, O Lord ; I say, "You are my God."
15My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
17Let me not be put to shame, O Lord , for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.
18Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
19How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
21Praise be to the Lord , for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.
22In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
23Love the Lord , all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.
24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord .
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