Psalm 31

L.M. D

1In You, O Lord, I take refuge, let me be never put to shame;
And in Your righteousness, O Lord, deliver me—I trust Your name.
2O come and turn Your ear to me; come quickly and my rescue be;
And be my Rock of refuge sure, a fortress strong to rescue me.

3Since You’re my fortress and my Rock, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide;
4Free me from traps they set for me, for You’re the strength where I abide.
5For I commit my spirit, Lord, into Your sovereign, steadfast hands;
Redeem me, Lord, O God of truth; my life before You ever stands.

6I hate those who to idols cling; I trust in God the Lord alone;
7I will be glad, rejoice and sing in Your love, for I am Your own.
For You saw my affliction and You knew the anguish of my soul;
8You did not hand me to my foe, but set my feet in places full.

9Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress and grief.
My soul and body fill with grief; my eyes with sorrow do grow weak.
10My life’s consumed by anguish and my years by groans as You I seek.
My strength fails from affliction and my very bones grow sick and weak.

11Because of all my enemies, my neighbors pour contempt on me;
I am a dread e’en to my friends—when they see me, they turn and flee.
12I am forgotten as though dead; I’m like old broken pottery.
13I hear their slander; I’m in dread; for they conspire and plot ’gainst me.

14But I will trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God indeed.”
15My times are in Your hands for sure; deliver me from enemies.
16Let Your face shine upon Your child; in Your unfailing love, save me;
17And let me not be put to shame, for I have cried out, Lord, to Thee.

17Let shame upon the wicked come; let them lie silent in the grave;
18Let lying lips be silenced, for with pride and arrogance they rave.
19How great Your goodness which You store for those who fear and reverence You;
Which You bestow in sight of all, on those who take refuge in You.

20For in the shelter of Your face, You hide them from intrigues of men;
You keep them in Your dwelling place; safe from accusing tongues of men.
21Praise to the Lord, for He has shown His love when I was under siege.
22In my alarm, I cried alone, “I’m cut off and You don’t see me!”

22 Yet, You did surely hear my cry for mercy; when I call, You hear.
23O love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord saves faithful who draw near.
But all the proud He pays in full; He pays them back their due reward.
24Be strong, O faithful, and take heart; all you who put hope in the Lord.