[1] I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
[2] He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
[3] He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
[4] Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.
[5] O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.
[6] You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand— you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
[7] Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:
[8] I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
[9] I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know.
[10] I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
[11] Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
[12] For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
[13] Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
[14] May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace.
[15] Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
[16] But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
[17] As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.