14-18 Desperate, I throw myself on you:
    you are my God!
Hour by hour I place my days in your hand,
    safe from the hands out to get me.
Warm me, your servant, with a smile;
    save me because you love me.
Don’t embarrass me by not showing up;
    I’ve given you plenty of notice.
Embarrass the wicked, stand them up,
    leave them stupidly shaking their heads
    as they drift down to hell.
Gag those loudmouthed liars
    who heckle me, your follower,
    with jeers and catcalls.

19-22 What a stack of blessing you have piled up
    for those who worship you,
Ready and waiting for all who run to you
    to escape an unkind world.
You hide them safely away
    from the opposition.
As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces,
    you silence the poisonous gossip.
Blessed God!
    His love is the wonder of the world.
Trapped by a siege, I panicked.
    “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said.
But you heard me say it,
    you heard and listened.

Read full chapter

18 Let their lying lips(A) be silenced,
    for with pride and contempt
    they speak arrogantly(B) against the righteous.

19 How abundant are the good things(C)
    that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,(D)
    on those who take refuge(E) in you.
20 In the shelter(F) of your presence you hide(G) them
    from all human intrigues;(H)
you keep them safe in your dwelling
    from accusing tongues.

Read full chapter