Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 <<By David.>> The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
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Light, space, zest - that's God! So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.
2 When evil-doers came at me to eat up my flesh, Even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
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When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces.
3 Though a host should encamp against me, My heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, Even then I will be confident.
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When besieged, I'm calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool.
4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after, That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To see the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in his temple.
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I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the covert of his tent will he hide me. He will lift me up on a rock.
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That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
6 Now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
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God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.
7 Hear, LORD, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me.
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Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: "Be good to me! Answer me!"
8 When you said, "Seek my face," My heart said to you, "I will seek your face, LORD."
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When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!"
9 Don't hide your face from me. Don't put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don't abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
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Don't hide from me now! You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take me up.
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My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in.
11 Teach me your way, LORD. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
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Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you're on.
12 Don't deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen up against me, Such as breathe out cruelty.
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Don't throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
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I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth.
14 Wait for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the LORD.
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Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.