The Message Bible MSG
World English Bible WEB
1 Light, space, zest - that's God! So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.
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<<By David.>> Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces.
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When evil-doers came at me to eat up my flesh, Even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3 When besieged, I'm calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool.
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Though a host should encamp against me, My heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, Even then I will be confident.
4 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.
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One thing have I asked of Yahweh, that will I seek after, That I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, To see the beauty of Yahweh, And to inquire in his temple.
5 That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
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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.
6 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.
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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 Yahweh.
7 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: "Be good to me! Answer me!"
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Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me.
8 When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!"
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When you said, "Seek my face," My heart said to you, "I will seek your face, Yahweh."
9 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.
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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.
10 My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in.
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When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Yahweh will take me up.
11 Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you're on.
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Teach me your way, Yahweh. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
12 Don't throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats.
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Don't deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen up against me, Such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth.
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I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.
14 Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.
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Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
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.
The World English Bible is in the public domain.