Study Desk

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a place of safety in times of trouble.

that I may stand before the people of Jerusalem and tell them all the things for which I praise you. I will rejoice because you saved me.

they wait in their hiding place like lions. They lie in wait for the poor; they catch them in their traps and drag them away.

Break the power of wicked and evil people; punish them for the wrong they have done until they do it no more.

I trust in the Lord for safety. How foolish of you to say to me, "Fly away like a bird to the mountains,

"But now I will come," says the Lord , "because the needy are oppressed and the persecuted groan in pain. I will give them the security they long for."

But then they will be terrified, for God is with those who obey him.

Protect me, O God; I trust in you for safety.

Listen, O Lord , to my plea for justice; pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to my honest prayer.

They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down.

They are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces.

save me from those who in this life have all they want. Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them; may there be enough for their children and some left over for their children's children!

The danger of death was around me, and the grave set its trap for me.

In my trouble I called to the Lord ; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.

He rescued me from my powerful enemies and from all those who hate me— they were too strong for me.

This God—how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.

He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.

You give me strength for the battle and victory over my enemies.

They cry for help, but no one saves them; they call to the Lord , but he does not answer.

yet their message goes out to all the world and is heard to the ends of the earth. God made a home in the sky for the sun;