As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
I will obey your decrees.
I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.
I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.
In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.
But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.
I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.
The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.
LORD, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.
Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.
See how I love your commandments, LORD.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.
I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.
Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.
I long for your rescue, LORD,
so I have obeyed your commands.
I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.
Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
O LORD, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.
Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.
Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.
Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.
Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
O LORD, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.
Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.