The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 Don't turn a deaf ear when I call you, God. If all I get from you is deafening silence, I'd be better off in the Black Hole.
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To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 I'm letting you know what I need, calling out for help And lifting my arms toward your inner sanctum.
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Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
3 Don't shove me into the same jail cell with those crooks, With those who are full-time employees of evil.
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Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 They talk a good line of "peace," then moonlight for the Devil. Pay them back for what they've done, for how bad they've been. Pay them back for their long hours in the Devil's workshop; Then cap it with a huge bonus.
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Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.
5 Because they have no idea how God works or what he is up to, God will smash them to smithereens and walk away from the ruins.
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Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORDand what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.
6 Blessed be God - he heard me praying.
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Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 He proved he's on my side; I've thrown my lot in with him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him.
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The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
8 God is all strength for his people, ample refuge for his chosen leader;
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The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your heritage. Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd.
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Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
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.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.