[1] A person is very happy. when his sins are forgiven. ˻That person is very fortunate˼ when his sins are erased.
[2] A person is very happy when the Lord says he is not guilty. ˻That person is very fortunate˼ he didn’t hide his secret sins.
[3] God, I prayed to you again and again, but I did not talk ˻about my secret sins˼. I only became weaker every time I prayed.
[4] God, you made life harder and harder on me, day and night. I became like a dry, dry land in the hot summertime. selah
[5] But then I decided to confess all my sins to the Lord. Lord, I told you about my sins. I did not hide any of my guilt. And you forgave me for all my sins!
[6] For that reason, God, your loyal followers should pray to you when the time comes. Then when trouble rises like a flood, it won’t reach them.
[7] God, you are a hiding place for me. You protect me from my troubles. You surround me and protect me. So I sing about the way you saved me.
[8] ˻The Lord says,˼ “I will teach you and guide you on the way you should live. I will protect you and be your guide.
[9] So don’t be stupid like a horse or a donkey. People must use bits and reins to lead those animals. Without those things, those animals will not come near you.”
[10] Many pains will come to bad people. But God’s true love will surround the people that trust the Lord.
[11] Good people, rejoice and be very happy in the Lord. All you people with pure hearts, rejoice!