Psalm 31

I seek refuge in You, El Shaddai, to save me from my shame.

In your generosity, listen to me, and quickly come to my help!

Be my strong rock, my place of protection. For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.

 

Release me from the net in which I am caught, because you alone can heal and make me whole.

Into your hands I commit my spirit, I trust in your faithful love to redeem me and set me free.

I separate myself from those who follow false values;

I will reject all the false gods society worships

I put my constant trust in no one else but you, El Shaddai.

 

Whenever I remember your compassion, my heart is filled with joy.

I know you see my affliction and understand all that troubles me.

You will not abandon me to that which would harm me; set me in a safe and spacious place.

 

Let me experience your grace, O God, for I am in deep trouble

My eyes ache with grief, my body and soul waste away.

My life is spent in sorrow; my days are filled with sighs.

Because of sin, both mine and others’, I grow weak …

 

I feel as forgotten as the dead whose memory no longer comes to mind

I feel like a broken clay pot, my whole life shattered and broken.

The slander of many comes to my ears; I am afraid of those plots that destroy life.

 

But I will trust in you, El Shaddai, you alone are my God; my life and times are in your hands.

Save me from those who pressure me, those who exploit my vulnerability.

In your mercy rescue me, and let your face shine on me with love.

O God, let me not be confused for having called on you;

Rather, confuse the wicked, and send them off, struck dumb.

Silence lips that lie, that speak seductively with reckless pride.

 

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those devoted to you

You work on behalf of those who trust you in ways that all can see.

Blessed are you for working all these wonders!

 

When I was besieged and beset, you showed me steadfast love.

Though I said in my impatience, “You don’t even see me!” you heard my pleas when I called for help.

Love El Shaddai, all you her saints! She preserves the faithful but brings down the high and mighty

Have courage all who hope in her and she will strengthen your hearts.

 

Rienstra, p 118

 

 

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