The Message
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Chapter 61
1God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.2When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, “Guide me up High Rock Mountain!” 3You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, 4A lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. 5You've always taken me seriously, God, made me welcome among those who know and love you. 6Let the days of the king add up to years and years of good rule. 7Set his throne in the full light of God; post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts, 8And I'll be the poet who sings your glory- and live what I sing every day. Chapter 62
1God, the one and only- I'll wait as long as he says.Everything I need comes from him, so why not? 2He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. 3How long will you gang up on me? How long will you run with the bullies? There's nothing to you, any of you- rotten floorboards, worm-eaten rafters, 4Anthills plotting to bring down mountains, far gone in make-believe. You talk a good line, but every “blessing” breathes a curse. 5God, the one and only- I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? 6He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. 7My help and glory are in God -granite-strength and safe-harbor-God- 8So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. 9Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing. 10And a windfall, if it comes- don't make too much of it. 11God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? “Strength comes Straight from God.” 12Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work! Chapter 63
1God-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. 2So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. 3In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. 4I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. 5I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises! 6If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. 7Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. 8I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post. 9Those who are out to get me are marked for doom, marked for death, bound for hell. 10They'll die violent deaths; jackals will tear them limb from limb. 11But the king is glad in God; his true friends spread the joy, While small-minded gossips are gagged for good. |
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