Psalm 31

Psalm 31

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me, for you do what is right.2 Turn your ear to listen to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
a fortress where I will be safe.3 You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
for I find protection in you alone.5 I entrust my spirit into your hand.
Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.6 I hate those who worship worthless idols.
I trust in the LORD.7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul.8 You have not handed me over to my enemies
but have set me in a safe place.9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.10 I am dying from grief;
my years are shortened by sadness.
Sin has drained my strength;
I am wasting away from within.11 I am scorned by all my enemies
and despised by my neighbors—
even my friends are afraid to come near me.
When they see me on the street,
they run the other way.12 I am ignored as if I were dead,
as if I were a broken pot.13 I have heard the many rumors about me,
and I am surrounded by terror.
My enemies conspire against me,
plotting to take my life.14 But I am trusting you, O LORD,
saying, “You are my God!”15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.16 Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me.17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O LORD,
for I call out to you for help.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them lie silent in the grave.t18 Silence their lying lips—
those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.19 How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.21 Praise the LORD,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.22 In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the LORD!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.23 Love the LORD, all you godly ones!
For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.24 So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the LORD!

PSALMS 31

A Prayer for Protection

1 I come to you, [Lord],
for protection.
Don't let me be ashamed.
Do as you have promised
and rescue me.

2 Listen to my prayer
and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rockt
and the fortress
where I am safe.

3 You, [Lord] God,
are my mighty rock
and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
so that your name
will be honored.

4 Protect me from hidden traps
and keep me safe.

5  t You are faithful,
and I trust you
because you rescued me.

6 I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
but I trust you, [Lord].

7 I celebrate and shout
because you are kind.
You saw all my suffering,
and you cared for me.

8 You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
and you set me free.

9 Have pity, [Lord]!
I am hurting and almost blind.
My whole body aches.

10 I have known only sorrow
all my life long, and I suffer
year after year.
I am weak from sin,
and my bones are limp.

11 My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
and they turn and run.

12 I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
I am merely a broken dish.

13 I hear the crowds whisper,
“Everyone is afraid!”
They are plotting and scheming
to murder me.

14 But I trust you, [Lord],
and I claim you as my God.

15 My life is in your hands.
Save me from enemies
who hunt me down.

16 Smile on me, your servant.
Have pity and rescue me.

17 I pray only to you.
Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
until they lie silent
in their graves.

18 Silence those proud liars!
Make them stop bragging
and insulting your people.

19 You are wonderful,
and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
who honor and trust you.

20 You are their shelter
from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
from vicious gossip.

21 I will praise you, [Lord],
for showing great kindness
when I was like a city
under attack.

22 I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
when I shouted for help.

23  t All who belong to the [Lord],
show how you love him.
The [Lord] protects the faithful,
but he severely punishes
everyone who is proud.

24 All who trust the [Lord],
be cheerful and strong.