The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
The Message Bible MSG
1 A psalm of David, when he was in the desert of Y'hudah: O God, you are my God; I will seek you eagerly. My heart thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a land parched and exhausted, where no water can be found.
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God - you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.
2 I used to contemplate you in the sanctuary, seeing your power and glory;
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So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory.
3 for your grace is better than life. My lips will worship you.
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In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains.
4 Yes, I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
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I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you.
5 I am as satisfied as with rich food; my mouth praises you with joy on my lips
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I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises!
6 when I remember you on my bed and meditate on you in the night watches.
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If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection.
7 For you have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice;
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Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play.
8 my heart clings to you; your right hand supports me.
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I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life -may they go to the lowest parts of the earth.
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Those who are out to get me are marked for doom, marked for death, bound for hell.
10 May they be given over to the power of the sword; may they become prey for jackals.
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They'll die violent deaths; jackals will tear them limb from limb.
11 But the king will rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be silenced.
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But the king is glad in God; his true friends spread the joy, While small-minded gossips are gagged for good.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.