Psalm 119:81-96

Contemporary English Version

⁸¹ I long for you to rescue me!
    Your word is my only hope.
⁸² I am worn out from waiting
for you to keep your word.
    When will you have mercy?
⁸³ My life is wasting away
    like a dried-up wineskin,^[a]
but I have not forgotten
    your teachings.
⁸⁴ I am your servant!
    How long must I suffer?
When will you punish
    those troublemakers?
⁸⁵ Those proud people reject
    your teachings,
and they dig pits
    for me to fall in.
⁸⁶ Your laws can be trusted!
    Protect me from cruel liars.
⁸⁷ They have almost killed me,
but I have been faithful
    to your teachings.
⁸⁸ Show that you love me
    and let me live,
so that I may obey
    your commands.

⁸⁹ Our Lord, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
    as the heavens.^[b]
90 You remain faithful
    in every generation,
and the earth you created
    will keep standing firm.
⁹¹ All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
    are still in effect today.
⁹² If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
    I would have died in misery.
⁹³ I won't ever forget
    your teachings,
because you give me new life
    when I follow them.
⁹⁴ I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
    so keep me safe.
⁹⁵ Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
    but I obey your rules.
⁹⁶ Nothing is completely perfect,
    except your teachings.