‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:1‭-‬24‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-2] I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me down! Take me seriously this time! Get down on my level and listen, and please—no procrastination! Your granite cave a hiding place, your high cliff nest a place of safety. [3-5] You’re my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide. Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you. I’ve put my life in your hands. You won’t drop me, you’ll never let me down. [6-13] I hate all this silly religion, but you, God, I trust. I’m leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors, You didn’t leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe. Be kind to me, God— I’m in deep, deep trouble again. I’ve cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside. My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder. To my enemies I’m a monster; I’m ridiculed by the neighbors. My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me. They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave, discard me like a broken dish in the trash. The street-talk gossip has me “criminally insane”! Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good. [14-18] Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me. Don’t embarrass me by not showing up; I’ve given you plenty of notice. Embarrass the wicked, stand them up, leave them stupidly shaking their heads as they drift down to hell. Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and catcalls. [19-22] What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip. Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege, I panicked. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. [23] Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. [24] Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.31.1-2.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:1‭-‬12‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1] I give you all the credit, God— you got me out of that mess, you didn’t let my foes gloat. [2-3] God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. [4-5] All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter. [6-7] When things were going great I crowed, “I’ve got it made. I’m God’s favorite. He made me king of the mountain.” Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces. [8-10] I called out to you, God; I laid my case before you: “Can you sell me for a profit when I’m dead? auction me off at a cemetery yard sale? When I’m ‘dust to dust’ my songs and stories of you won’t sell. So listen! and be kind! Help me out of this!” [11-12] You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.30.1.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29:1‭-‬11‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-2] Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!” In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him! [3] God thunders across the waters, Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness— God, across the flood waters. [4] God’s thunder tympanic, God’s thunder symphonic. [5] God’s thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars. [6] The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats. [7-8] God’s thunder spits fire. God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake. [9] God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!” [10] Above the floodwaters is God’s throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. [11] God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.29.1-2.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:1‭-‬9‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1] Don’t turn a deaf ear when I call you, God. If all I get from you is deafening silence, I’d be better off in the Black Hole. [2] I’m letting you know what I need, calling out for help And lifting my arms toward your inner sanctuary. [3-4] Don’t shove me into the same jail cell with those crooks, With those who are full-time employees of evil. They talk a good line of “peace,” then moonlight for the Devil. Pay them back for what they’ve done, for how bad they’ve been. Pay them back for their long hours in the Devil’s workshop; Then cap it with a huge bonus. [5] Because they have no idea how God works or what he is up to, God will smash them to smithereens and walk away from the ruins. [6-7] Blessed be God— he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him. [8-9] God is all strength for his people, ample refuge for his chosen leader; Save your people and bless your heritage. Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.28.1.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27:1‭-‬14‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1] Light, space, zest— that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. [2] When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. [3] When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool. [4] I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. [5] That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. [6] God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God. [7-9a] Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs: “Be good to me! Answer me!” When my heart whispered, “Seek God,” my whole being replied, “I’m seeking him!” Don’t hide from me now! [9b-10] You’ve always been right there for me; don’t turn your back on me now. Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me; you’ve always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in. [11-12] Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you’re on. Don’t throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats. [13-14] I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.27.1.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26:1‭-‬12‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1] Clear my name, God; I’ve kept an honest shop. I’ve thrown in my lot with you, God, and I’m not budging. [2] Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I’m fit inside and out [3] So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat. [4-5] I don’t hang out with tricksters, I don’t pal around with thugs; I hate that pack of gangsters, I don’t deal with double-dealers. [6-7] I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God, Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories. [8-10] God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory. When it’s time for spring cleaning, don’t sweep me out with the quacks and crooks, Men with bags of dirty tricks, women with purses stuffed with bribe-money. [11-12] You know I’ve been aboveboard with you; now be aboveboard with me. I’m on the level with you, God; I bless you every chance I get.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.26.1.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25:1‭-‬22‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-2] My head is high, God, held high; I’m looking to you, God; No hangdog skulking for me. [3] I’ve thrown in my lot with you; You won’t embarrass me, will you? Or let my enemies get the best of me? Don’t embarrass any of us Who went out on a limb for you. It’s the traitors who should be humiliated. [4] Show me how you work, God; School me in your ways. [5] Take me by the hand; Lead me down the path of truth. You are my Savior, aren’t you? [6] Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! [7] Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! [8] God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction. [9] He gives the rejects his hand, And leads them step-by-step. [10] From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions. [11] Keep up your reputation, God; Forgive my bad life; It’s been a very bad life. [12] My question: What are God-worshipers like? Your answer: Arrows aimed at God’s bull’s-eye. [13] They settle down in a promising place; Their kids inherit a prosperous farm. [14] God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in. [15] If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet. [16] Look at me and help me! I’m all alone and in big trouble. [17] My heart and mind are fighting each other; Call a truce to this civil war. [18] Take a hard look at my life of hard labor, Then lift this ton of sin. [19] Do you see how many people Have it in for me? How viciously they hate me? [20] Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; Don’t let me down when I run to you. [21] Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product. [22] God, give your people a break From this run of bad luck.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.25.1-2.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1‭-‬6‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-3] God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. [4] Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. [5] You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. [6] Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.23.1-3.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:1‭-‬31‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-2] God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning. [3-5] And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise? We know you were there for our parents: they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life. [6-8] And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm, something to step on, to squash. Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads: “Let’s see how God handles this one; since God likes him so much, let him help him!” [9-11] And to think you were midwife at my birth, setting me at my mother’s breasts! When I left the womb you cradled me; since the moment of birth you’ve been my God. Then you moved far away and trouble moved in next door. I need a neighbor. [12-13] Herds of bulls come at me, the raging bulls stampede, Horns lowered, nostrils flaring, like a herd of buffalo on the move. [14-15] I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled, every joint in my body has been pulled apart. My heart is a blob of melted wax in my gut. I’m dry as a bone, my tongue black and swollen. They have laid me out for burial in the dirt. [16-18] Now packs of wild dogs come at me; thugs gang up on me. They pin me down hand and foot, and lock me in a cage—a bag Of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby. They take my wallet and the shirt off my back, and then throw dice for my clothes. [19-21] You, God—don’t put off my rescue! Hurry and help me! Don’t let them cut my throat; don’t let those mongrels devour me. If you don’t show up soon, I’m done for—gored by the bulls, meat for the lions. [22-24] Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening. [25-26] Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I’ll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers. Down-and-outers sit at God’s table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. “Live it up, from head to toe. Don’t ever quit!” [27-28] From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. God has taken charge; from now on he has the last word. [29] All the power-mongers are before him —worshiping! All the poor and powerless, too —worshiping! Along with those who never got it together —worshiping! [30-31] Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news— that God does what he says.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.22.1-2.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭21:1‭-‬13‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-7] Your strength, God, is the king’s strength. Helped, he’s hollering Hosannas. You gave him exactly what he wanted; you didn’t hold back. You filled his arms with gifts; you gave him a right royal welcome. He wanted a good life; you gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus. You lifted him high and bright as a cumulus cloud, then dressed him in rainbow colors. You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile. Is it any wonder the king loves God? that he’s sticking with the Best? [8-12] With a fistful of enemies in one hand and a fistful of haters in the other, You radiate with such brilliance that they cringe as before a furnace. Now the furnace swallows them whole, the fire eats them alive! You purge the earth of their progeny, you wipe the slate clean. All their evil schemes, the plots they cook up, have fizzled—every one. You sent them packing; they couldn’t face you. [13] Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.21.1-7.MSG

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭20:1‭-‬9‬ ‭MSG‬‬
[1-4] God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans. [5] When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true! [6] That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out. [7-8] See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for God our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame— and we’ll be on our feet, standing tall. [9] Make the king a winner, God; the day we call, give us your answer.

https://bible.com/bible/97/psa.20.1-4.MSG