Psalm 31

For the music director; a psalm of David.

1In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!

Never let me be humiliated!

Vindicate me by rescuing me!

2Listen to me!

Quickly deliver me!

Be my protector and refuge,

a stronghold where I can be safe!

3For you are my high ridge and my stronghold;

for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.

4You will free me from the net they hid for me,

for you are my place of refuge.

5Into your hand I entrust my life;

you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.

6I hate those who serve worthless idols,

but I trust in the Lord.

7I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness,

because you notice my pain

and you are aware of how distressed I am.

8You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy;

you enable me to stand in a wide open place.

9Have mercy on me, for I am in distress!

My eyes grow dim from suffering.

I have lost my strength.

10For my life nears its end in pain;

my years draw to a close as I groan.

My strength fails me because of my sin,

and my bones become brittle.

11Because of all my enemies, people disdain me;

my neighbors are appalled by my suffering –

those who know me are horrified by my condition;

those who see me in the street run away from me.

12I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about;

I am regarded as worthless, like a broken jar.

13For I hear what so many are saying,

the terrifying news that comes from every direction.

When they plot together against me,

they figure out how they can take my life.

14But I trust in you, O Lord!

I declare, “You are my God!”

15You determine my destiny!

Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me.

16Smile on your servant!

Deliver me because of your faithfulness!

17O Lord, do not let me be humiliated,

for I call out to you!

May evil men be humiliated!

May they go wailing to the grave!

18May lying lips be silenced –

lips that speak defiantly against the innocent

with arrogance and contempt!

19How great is your favor,

which you store up for your loyal followers!

In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.

20You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men;

you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.

21The Lord deserves praise

for he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.

22I jumped to conclusions and said,

“I am cut off from your presence!”

But you heard my plea for mercy when I cried out to you for help.

23Love the Lord, all you faithful followers of his!

The Lord protects those who have integrity,

but he pays back in full the one who acts arrogantly.

24Be strong and confident,

all you who wait on the Lord!