Psalm 34
1 I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.
I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.
2 I will boast of all his kindness to me.
Let all who are discouraged take heart.
3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
4 For I cried to him and he answered me!
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Others too were radiant at what he did for them.
Theirs was no downcast look of rejection!
6 This poor man cried to the Lord - and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of his troubles.
7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.
8 Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is!
See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him.
9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him;
for everyone who does this has everything he needs.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.
11 Sons and daughters, come and listen
and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord.
12 Do you want a long, good life?
13 Then watch your tongue!
Keep your lips from lying.
14 Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good.
Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.
15 For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives,
and he gives attention when they cry to him.
16 But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out
even the memory of evil men from the earth.
17 Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help
and saves him out of all his troubles.
18 The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking;
he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins.
19 The good man does not escape all troubles - he has them too.
But the Lord helps him in each and every one.
20 Not one of his bones is broken.
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked;
heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good.
22 But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them;
everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned.
(The Living Bible)
See you tomorrow, God willing,
when you'll find a new thought here to challenge you!
Meanwhile, have a great day walking with the Lord!
