61 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
61 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 55
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1 Listen to my prayer, O God.
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Do not ignore my cry for help!
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2 Please listen and answer me,
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for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
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3 My enemies shout at me,
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making loud and wicked threats.
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They bring trouble on me
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and angrily hunt me down.
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4 My heart pounds in my chest.
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The terror of death assaults me.
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5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
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and I can’t stop shaking.
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6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
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then I would fly away and rest!
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7 I would fly far away
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to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
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8 How quickly I would escape—
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far from this wild storm of hatred.
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9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,
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for I see violence and conflict in the city.
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10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,
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but the real danger is wickedness within the city.
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11 Everything is falling apart;
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threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
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12 It is not an enemy who taunts me—
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I could bear that.
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It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—
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I could have hidden from them.
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13 Instead, it is you—my equal,
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my companion and close friend.
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14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed
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as we walked together to the house of God.
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15 Let death stalk my enemies;
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let the grave swallow them alive,
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for evil makes its home within them.
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16 But I will call on God,
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and the Lord will rescue me.
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17 Morning, noon, and night
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I cry out in my distress,
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and the Lord hears my voice.
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18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe
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from the battle waged against me,
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though many still oppose me.
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19 God, who has ruled forever,
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will hear me and humble them. Interlude
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For my enemies refuse to change their ways;
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they do not fear God.
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20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;
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he broke his promises.
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21 His words are as smooth as butter,
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but in his heart is war.
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His words are as soothing as lotion,
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but underneath are daggers!
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22 Give your burdens to the Lord,
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and he will take care of you.
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He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
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23 But you, O God, will send the wicked
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down to the pit of destruction.
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Murderers and liars will die young,
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but I am trusting you to save me. |