Psalm 119:49-96

New Living Translation

⁴⁹ Remember your promise to me;
    it is my only hope.
⁵⁰ Your promise revives me;
    it comforts me in all my troubles.
⁵¹ The proud hold me in utter contempt,
    but I do not turn away from your instructions.
⁵² I meditate on your age-old regulations;
    O Lord, they comfort me.
⁵³ I become furious with the wicked,
    because they reject your instructions.
⁵⁴ Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
    wherever I have lived.
⁵⁵ I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;
    therefore, I obey your instructions.
⁵⁶ This is how I spend my life:
    obeying your commandments.

⁵⁷ Lord, you are mine!
    I promise to obey your words!
⁵⁸ With all my heart I want your blessings.
    Be merciful as you promised.
⁵⁹ I pondered the direction of my life,
    and I turned to follow your laws.
⁶⁰ I will hurry, without delay,
    to obey your commands.
⁶¹ Evil people try to drag me into sin,
    but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
⁶² I rise at midnight to thank you
    for your just regulations.
⁶³ I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
    anyone who obeys your commandments.
⁶⁴ O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;
    teach me your decrees.

⁶⁵ You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised.
⁶⁶ I believe in your commands;
    now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
⁶⁷ I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
    but now I closely follow your word.
⁶⁸ You are good and do only good;
    teach me your decrees.
⁶⁹ Arrogant people smear me with lies,
    but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are dull and stupid,
    but I delight in your instructions.
⁷¹ My suffering was good for me,
    for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
⁷² Your instructions are more valuable to me
    than millions in gold and silver.

⁷³ You made me; you created me.
    Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
⁷⁴ May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
    for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
    you disciplined me because I needed it.
⁷⁶ Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
    just as you promised me, your servant.
⁷⁷ Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
    for your instructions are my delight.
⁷⁸ Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
    meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
⁷⁹ Let me be united with all who fear you,
    with those who know your laws.
⁸⁰ May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
    then I will never be ashamed.

⁸¹ I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort me?
⁸³ I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
    but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
⁸⁴ How long must I wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute me?
⁸⁵ These arrogant people who hate your instructions
    have dug deep pits to trap me.
⁸⁶ All your commands are trustworthy.
    Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
⁸⁷ They almost finished me off,
    but I refused to abandon your commandments.
⁸⁸ In your unfailing love, spare my life;
    then I can continue to obey your laws.

⁸⁹ Your eternal word, O Lord,
    stands firm in heaven.
⁹⁰ Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
    as enduring as the earth you created.
⁹¹ Your regulations remain true to this day,
    for everything serves your plans.
⁹² If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
    I would have died in my misery.
⁹³ I will never forget your commandments,
    for by them you give me life.
⁹⁴ I am yours; rescue me!
    For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
⁹⁵ Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
    I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
⁹⁶ Even perfection has its limits,
    but your commands have no limit.