1 I call out to the Lord for help; pleading with the Lord for mercy.

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

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

4 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 cry out to you, Lord, for help, saying, “You are the one who keeps me safe; you are all I need in life.* Literally, “you are my portion in the land of the living.”

6 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 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.”