I Hope

In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.
Everything they say is crooked and deceitful.
They refuse to act wisely or do good.
...
Don't let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.
Look! Those who do evil have fallen!
They are thrown down, never to rise again.

- NLT 2nd edition

Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.
Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.
All day long they plan their treachery.

But I am deaf to all their threats.
I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.
I choose to hear nothing,
and I make no reply.
For I am waiting for you, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord my God.

I prayed, "Don't let my enemies gloat over me
or rejoice at my downfall."
I am on the verge of collapse,
facing constant pain.

- NLT 2nd edition

Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials.
But the wicked will continue in their wickedness,
and none of them will understand.

- NLT 2nd edition

Don't let them get away with their wickedness;
in your anger, O God, bring them down.

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

- NLT 2nd edition

The Lord gives righteousness and justice
to all who are treated unfairly.
- NLT 2nd edition

When their leaders are thrown down from a cliff,
the wicked will listen to my words and find them true.
- NLT 2nd edition

Let my enemies be destroyed
by the very evil they have planned for me.
Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
Let them be thrown into the fire
or into watery pits from which they can't escape.

You must defend my innocence,O God,
since no one else will stand up for me.
You have closed their minds to understanding,
but do not let them triumph.
- NLT 2nd edition