- But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you. - I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath! - No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
- Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.” - I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you. - I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word. - But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
- Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
- I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments. - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. - For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ - I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me? - As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should! - I will strengthen Judah and save Israel;
I will restore them because of my compassion.
It will be as though I had never rejected them,
for I am the Lord their God, who will hear their cries. - Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world. - The Lord says,
“I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’
to a nation that did not call on my name.” - I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. - I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations. - If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
- I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there. - Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living. - I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. - Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth. - I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
- I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,
and I will fulfill all my vows.
For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires. Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.Next verse!With image