1
  
  
  
     O God, have mercy on me, 
 for people are hounding me. 
 My foes attack me all day long. 
  
  
  
  2
  
  
  
    I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, 
 and many are boldly attacking me. 
  
  
  
  3
  
  
  
    But when I am afraid, 
 I will put my trust in you. 
  
  
  
  4
  
  
  
    I praise God for what he has promised. 
 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? 
 What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
    
  
  5
  
  
  
    They are always twisting what I say; 
 they spend their days plotting to harm me. 
  
  
  
  6
  
  
  
    They come together to spy on me - 
 watching my every step, eager to kill me. 
  
  
  
  7
  
  
  
    Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; 
 in your anger, O God, bring them down. 
  
    
  
  8
  
  
  
    You keep track of all my sorrows.  2  
 You have collected all my tears in your bottle. 
 You have recorded each one in your book. 
  
  
  
  9
  
  
  
    My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. 
 This I know: God is on my side! 
  
  
  
  10
  
  
  
    I praise God for what he has promised; 
 yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 
  
  
  
  11
  
  
  
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? 
 What can mere mortals do to me? 
  
    
  
  12
  
  
  
    I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, 
 and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 
  
  
  
  13
  
  
  
    For you have rescued me from death; 
 you have kept my feet from slipping. 
 So now I can walk in your presence, O God, 
 in your life-giving light.