Psalms
Psalms 71
By David. Of the sons of Jonadab and the first who were taken captive.
1 God, I have trusted in you; may I never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness rescue me and bring me out. Incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Become my protecting God and a fortified place to save me, because you are my stronghold and refuge.
4 My God, rescue me from the hand of a sinner, from the hand of a lawbreaker who acts unjustly.
5 You are my endurance, Lord; the Lord has been my hope since my youth.
6 I have depended on you since the womb; you have been my protector since my mother’s belly. My praise is always in you.
7 I became like an astonishing sign to many, but you are my strong helper.
8 May my mouth be filled with praise so I may sing of your glory and your majesty all day long.
9 Do not cast me away in old age. Do not abandon me when my strength fails.
10 My enemies spoke against me, and those watching for my soul plotted together,
11 saying,
“God has abandoned him. Pursue him and seize him, because no one will rescue him.”
12 God, do not stay far from me. My God, pay attention and help me.
13 May those who accuse my soul be ashamed and disappear. May those seeking evil for me be clothed with shame and disgrace.
14 But I will always hope, and I will add to all my praise of you.
15 My mouth will proclaim your righteousness and your rescue all day long, because I have not known literary learning.
16 I will enter in the Lord’s might. Lord, I will remember your righteousness alone.
17 God, you taught me from my youth, and until now I will proclaim your wonders.
18 Even into old age and advanced years, God, do not abandon me until I proclaim your arm to every coming generation—your might and your righteousness.
19 God, your great deeds reach the highest places. God, who is like you?
20 You showed me many severe afflictions, yet you turned and gave me life, and you brought me back up from the depths of the earth.
21 You increased your majesty, then turned and comforted me, [and brought me back up from the depths of the earth.]
22 So I will give thanks to you for your truth on an instrument of song, God. I will make music to you on the harp, Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will rejoice when I make music to you, along with my soul, which you ransomed.
24 My tongue will also meditate on your righteousness all day long, when those seeking evil for me are ashamed and disgraced.