Psalms 142

1 “A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer.” With my voice I cry unto the Lord: with my voice I make supplication unto the Lord.

A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I call out to the Lord for help; pleading with the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour out before him my grief: my distress I recite before him.

I pour out my complaints before him; I tell him what's troubling me.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me—and thou knowest well my path—on the way whereon I desired to walk they had secretly laid a snare for me.

When I'm totally discouraged, you know the direction I should take. But whichever way I go, people set traps for me.

4 Look to the right, and behold, yea, there is no man that recognizeth me: [every] refuge is lost to me; there is no one that careth for my soul.

I look to my right for someone to support me—but no one pays me any attention. There's no safe place for me—no one cares about me at all.

5 I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of life.

I cry out to you, Lord, for help, saying, “You are the one who keeps me safe; you are all I need in life.

6 Listen unto my entreaty; for I am very miserable: deliver me from my pursuers; for they are too mighty for me.

Please listen to my sad cry, for I'm feeling very low. Please save me from those who are after me, for they're too strong for me.

7 Bring forth out of prison my soul, that I may thank thy name: with me shall the righteous crown themselves, when thou wilt deal bountifully with me.

Release me from my prison so I can praise you for the person you are! Those who live right will gather round me because you have treated me so well.”