Church Photos

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

And​ ​I​ ​saw​ ​the​ ​holy​ ​city,​ ​the​ ​new​ ​Jerusalem,​ ​coming​ ​down​ ​out​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​from​ ​God,​ ​prepared​ ​as​ ​a bride​ ​adorned​ ​for​ ​her​ ​husband.​ ​And​ ​I​ ​heard​ ​a​ ​loud​ ​voice​ ​from​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​saying,

“See,​ ​the​ ​home​ ​of​ ​God​ ​is​ ​among​ ​mortals.
He​ ​will​ ​dwell​ ​with​ ​them​ ​as​ ​their​ ​God;
they​ ​will​ ​be​ ​his​ ​peoples,
and​ ​God​ ​himself​ ​will​ ​be​ ​with​ ​them;
he​ ​will​ ​wipe​ ​every​ ​tear​ ​from​ ​their​ ​eyes.
Death​ ​will​ ​be​ ​no​ ​more;
mourning​ ​and​ ​crying​ ​and​ ​pain​ ​will​ ​be​ ​no​ ​more,
for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​things​ ​have​ ​passed​ ​away.”

And​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​was​ ​seated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​said,​ ​“See,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​making​ ​all​ ​things​ ​new.”​ ​Also​ ​he​ ​said, “Write​ ​this,​ ​for​ ​these​ ​words​ ​are​ ​trustworthy​ ​and​ ​true.”​ ​Then​ ​he​ ​said​ ​to​ ​me,​ ​“It​ ​is​ ​done!​ ​I​ ​am​ ​the Alpha​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Omega,​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​and​ ​the​ ​end.​ ​To​ ​the​ ​thirsty​ ​I​ ​will​ ​give​ ​water​ ​as​ ​a​ ​gift​ ​from the​ ​spring​ ​of​ ​the​ ​water​ ​of​ ​life.​ ​Those​ ​who​ ​conquer​ ​will​ ​inherit​ ​these​ ​things,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​be​ ​their God​ ​and​ ​they​ ​will​ ​be​ ​my​ ​children.

After​ ​this​ ​I​ ​looked,​ ​and​ ​there​ ​was​ ​a​ ​great​ ​multitude​ ​that​ ​no​ ​one​ ​could​ ​count,​ ​from​ ​every​ ​nation, from​ ​all​ ​tribes​ ​and​ ​peoples​ ​and​ ​languages,​ ​standing​ ​before​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​and​ ​before​ ​the​ ​Lamb,​ ​robed in​ ​white,​ ​with​ ​palm​ ​branches​ ​in​ ​their​ ​hands.​ ​They​ ​cried​ ​out​ ​in​ ​a​ ​loud​ ​voice,​ ​saying,

“Salvation​ ​belongs​ ​to​ ​our​ ​God​ ​who​ ​is​ ​seated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​throne,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lamb!”
And​ ​all​ ​the​ ​angels​ ​stood​ ​around​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​and​ ​around​ ​the​ ​elders​ ​and​ ​the​ ​four​ ​living​ ​creatures, and​ ​they​ ​fell​ ​on​ ​their​ ​faces​ ​before​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​and​ ​worshiped​ ​God,​ ​singing,

“Amen!​ ​Blessing​ ​and​ ​glory​ ​and​ ​wisdom
and​ ​thanksgiving​ ​and​ ​honor
and​ ​power​ ​and​ ​might
be​ ​to​ ​our​ ​God​ ​forever​ ​and​ ​ever!​ ​Amen.”

Then​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​elders​ ​addressed​ ​me,​ ​saying,​ ​“Who​ ​are​ ​these,​ ​robed​ ​in​ ​white,​ ​and​ ​where​ ​have they​ ​come​ ​from?”​ ​I​ ​said​ ​to​ ​him,​ ​“Sir,​ ​you​ ​are​ ​the​ ​one​ ​that​ ​knows.”​ ​Then​ ​he​ ​said​ ​to​ ​me,​ ​“These are​ ​they​ ​who​ ​have​ ​come​ ​out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​great​ ​ordeal;​ ​they​ ​have​ ​washed​ ​their​ ​robes​ ​and​ ​made​ ​them white​ ​in​ ​the​ ​blood​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lamb.

For​ ​this​ ​reason​ ​they​ ​are​ ​before​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​of​ ​God,
and​ ​worship​ ​him​ ​day​ ​and​ ​night​ ​within​ ​his​ ​temple,
and​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​is​ ​seated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​will​ ​shelter​ ​them.
They​ ​will​ ​hunger​ ​no​ ​more,​ ​and​ ​thirst​ ​no​ ​more;
the​ ​sun​ ​will​ ​not​ ​strike​ ​them,
nor​ ​any​ ​scorching​ ​heat;
for​ ​the​ ​Lamb​ ​at​ ​the​ ​center​ ​of​ ​the​ ​throne​ ​will​ ​be​ ​their​ ​shepherd,
and​ ​he​ ​will​ ​guide​ ​them​ ​to​ ​springs​ ​of​ ​the​ ​water​ ​of​ ​life,
and​ ​God​ ​will​ ​wipe​ ​away​ ​every​ ​tear​ ​from​ ​their​ ​eyes.”

See​ ​what​ ​love​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​has​ ​given​ ​us,​ ​that​ ​we​ ​should​ ​be​ ​called​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God;​ ​and​ ​that​ ​is​ ​what we​ ​are.​ ​The​ ​reason​ ​the​ ​world​ ​does​ ​not​ ​know​ ​us​ ​is​ ​that​ ​it​ ​did​ ​not​ ​know​ ​him.​ ​Beloved,​ ​we​ ​are God’s​ ​children​ ​now;​ ​what​ ​we​ ​will​ ​be​ ​has​ ​not​ ​yet​ ​been​ ​revealed.​ ​What​ ​we​ ​do​ ​know​ ​is​ ​this:​ ​when he​ ​is​ ​revealed,​ ​we​ ​will​ ​be​ ​like​ ​him,​ ​for​ ​we​ ​will​ ​see​ ​him​ ​as​ ​he​ ​is.

So​ ​we​ ​do​ ​not​ ​lose​ ​heart.​ ​Even​ ​though​ ​our​ ​outer​ ​nature​ ​is​ ​wasting​ ​away,​ ​our​ ​inner​ ​nature​ ​is​ ​being renewed​ ​day​ ​by​ ​day.​ ​For​ ​this​ ​slight​ ​momentary​ ​affliction​ ​is​ ​preparing​ ​us​ ​for​ ​an​ ​eternal​ ​weight​ ​of glory​ ​beyond​ ​all​ ​measure,​ ​because​ ​we​ ​look​ ​not​ ​at​ ​what​ ​can​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​but​ ​at​ ​what​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​seen; for​ ​what​ ​can​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​is​ ​temporary,​ ​but​ ​what​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​is​ ​eternal.​ ​For​ ​we​ ​know​ ​that​ ​if​ ​the earthly​ ​tent​ ​we​ ​live​ ​in​ ​is​ ​destroyed,​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​building​ ​from​ ​God,​ ​a​ ​house​ ​not​ ​made​ ​with​ ​hands, eternal​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heavens.​ ​For​ ​in​ ​this​ ​tent​ ​we​ ​groan,​ ​longing​ ​to​ ​be​ ​clothed​ ​with​ ​our​ ​heavenly dwelling—if​ ​indeed,​ ​when​ ​we​ ​have​ ​taken​ ​it​ ​off​ ​we​ ​will​ ​not​ ​be​ ​found​ ​naked.​ ​For​ ​while​ ​we​ ​are still​ ​in​ ​this​ ​tent,​ ​we​ ​groan​ ​under​ ​our​ ​burden,​ ​because​ ​we​ ​wish​ ​not​ ​to​ ​be​ ​unclothed​ ​but​ ​to​ ​be further​ ​clothed,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​what​ ​is​ ​mortal​ ​may​ ​be​ ​swallowed​ ​up​ ​by​ ​life.​ ​He​ ​who​ ​has​ ​prepared​ ​us​ ​for this​ ​very​ ​thing​ ​is​ ​God,​ ​who​ ​has​ ​given​ ​us​ ​the​ ​Spirit​ ​as​ ​a​ ​guarantee.​ ​So​ ​we​ ​are​ ​always​ ​confident; even​ ​though​ ​we​ ​know​ ​that​ ​while​ ​we​ ​are​ ​at​ ​home​ ​in​ ​the​ ​body​ ​we​ ​are​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Lord—for​ ​we walk​ ​by​ ​faith,​ ​not​ ​by​ ​sight.​ ​Yes,​ ​we​ ​do​ ​have​ ​confidence,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​would​ ​rather​ ​be​ ​away​ ​from​ ​the body​ ​and​ ​at​ ​home​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Lord.​ ​So​ ​whether​ ​we​ ​are​ ​at​ ​home​ ​or​ ​away,​ ​we​ ​make​ ​it​ ​our​ ​aim​ ​to please​ ​him.

But​ ​in​ ​fact​ ​Christ​ ​has​ ​been​ ​raised​ ​from​ ​the​ ​dead,​ ​the​ ​first​ ​fruits​ ​of​ ​those​ ​who​ ​have​ ​died.​ ​For​ ​since death​ ​came​ ​through​ ​a​ ​human​ ​being,​ ​the​ ​resurrection​ ​of​ ​the​ ​dead​ ​has​ ​also​ ​come​ ​through​ ​a​ ​human being;​ ​for​ ​as​ ​all​ ​die​ ​in​ ​Adam,​ ​so​ ​all​ ​will​ ​be​ ​made​ ​alive​ ​in​ ​Christ.​ ​But​ ​each​ ​in​ ​his​ ​own​ ​order: Christ​ ​the​ ​first​ ​fruits,​ ​then​ ​at​ ​his​ ​coming​ ​those​ ​who​ ​belong​ ​to​ ​Christ.​ ​Then​ ​comes​ ​the​ ​end,​ ​when he​ ​hands​ ​over​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​to​ ​God​ ​the​ ​Father,​ ​after​ ​he​ ​has​ ​destroyed​ ​every​ ​ruler​ ​and​ ​every authority​ ​and​ ​power.​ ​For​ ​he​ ​must​ ​reign​ ​until​ ​he​ ​has​ ​put​ ​all​ ​his​ ​enemies​ ​under​ ​his​ ​feet.​ ​The​ ​last enemy​ ​to​ ​be​ ​destroyed​ ​is​ ​death.​ ​But​ ​someone​ ​will​ ​ask,​ ​“How​ ​are​ ​the​ ​dead​ ​raised?​ ​With​ ​what kind​ ​of​ ​body​ ​do​ ​they​ ​come?”​ ​Fool!​ ​What​ ​you​ ​sow​ ​does​ ​not​ ​come​ ​to​ ​life​ ​unless​ ​it​ ​dies.​ ​And​ ​as​ ​for what​ ​you​ ​sow,​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​sow​ ​the​ ​body​ ​that​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be,​ ​but​ ​a​ ​bare​ ​seed,​ ​perhaps​ ​of​ ​wheat​ ​or​ ​of some​ ​other​ ​grain.​ ​But​ ​God​ ​gives​ ​it​ ​a​ ​body​ ​as​ ​he​ ​has​ ​chosen,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​each​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​seed​ ​its​ ​own body.​ ​So​ ​it​ ​is​ ​with​ ​the​ ​resurrection​ ​of​ ​the​ ​dead.​ ​What​ ​is​ ​sown​ ​is​ ​perishable,​ ​what​ ​is​ ​raised​ ​is imperishable.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​sown​ ​in​ ​dishonor,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​raised​ ​in​ ​glory.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​sown​ ​in​ ​weakness,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​raised​ ​in power.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​sown​ ​a​ ​physical​ ​body,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​raised​ ​a​ ​spiritual​ ​body.​ ​If​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​physical​ ​body,​ ​there​ ​is also​ ​a​ ​spiritual​ ​body.​ ​For​ ​this​ ​perishable​ ​body​ ​must​ ​put​ ​on​ ​imperishability,​ ​and​ ​this​ ​mortal​ ​body must​ ​put​ ​on​ ​immortality.​ ​When​ ​this​ ​perishable​ ​body​ ​puts​ ​on​ ​imperishability,​ ​and​ ​this​ ​mortal body​ ​puts​ ​on​ ​immortality,​ ​then​ ​the​ ​saying​ ​that​ ​is​ ​written​ ​will​ ​be​ ​fulfilled:

“Death​ ​has​ ​been​ ​swallowed​ ​up​ ​in​ ​victory.”

“Where,​ ​O​ ​death,​ ​is​ ​your​ ​victory?
Where,​ ​O​ ​death,​ ​is​ ​your​ ​sting?”

The​ ​sting​ ​of​ ​death​ ​is​ ​sin,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​sin​ ​is​ ​the​ ​law.​ ​But​ ​thanks​ ​be​ ​to​ ​God,​ ​who​ ​gives​ ​us​ ​the victory​ ​through​ ​our​ ​Lord​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ.​ ​Therefore,​ ​my​ ​beloved,​ ​be​ ​steadfast,​ ​immovable,​ ​always excelling​ ​in​ ​the​ ​work​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord,​ ​because​ ​you​ ​know​ ​that​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​your​ ​labor​ ​is​ ​not​ ​in​ ​vain.

For​ ​all​ ​who​ ​are​ ​led​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Spirit​ ​of​ ​God​ ​are​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​For​ ​you​ ​did​ ​not​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​spirit​ ​of slavery​ ​to​ ​fall​ ​back​ ​into​ ​fear,​ ​but​ ​you​ ​have​ ​received​ ​a​ ​spirit​ ​of​ ​adoption.​ ​When​ ​we​ ​cry,​ ​“Abba! Father!”​ ​it​ ​is​ ​that​ ​very​ ​Spirit​ ​bearing​ ​witness​ ​with​ ​our​ ​spirit​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​if children,​ ​then​ ​heirs,​ ​heirs​ ​of​ ​God​ ​and​ ​joint​ ​heirs​ ​with​ ​Christ—if,​ ​in​ ​fact,​ ​we​ ​suffer​ ​with​ ​him​ ​so that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​also​ ​be​ ​glorified​ ​with​ ​him.​ ​I​ ​consider​ ​that​ ​the​ ​sufferings​ ​of​ ​this​ ​present​ ​time​ ​are​ ​not worth​ ​comparing​ ​with​ ​the​ ​glory​ ​about​ ​to​ ​be​ ​revealed​ ​to​ ​us.​ ​For​ ​the​ ​creation​ ​waits​ ​with​ ​eager longing​ ​for​ ​the​ ​revealing​ ​of​ ​the​ ​children​ ​of​ ​God.​ ​Who​ ​is​ ​to​ ​condemn?​ ​It​ ​is​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus,​ ​who died,​ ​yes,​ ​who​ ​was​ ​raised,​ ​who​ ​is​ ​at​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​who​ ​indeed​ ​intercedes​ ​for​ ​us.​ ​Who will​ ​separate​ ​us​ ​from​ ​the​ ​love​ ​of​ ​Christ?​ ​Will​ ​hardship,​ ​or​ ​distress,​ ​or​ ​persecution,​ ​or​ ​famine,​ ​or nakedness,​ ​or​ ​peril,​ ​or​ ​sword?​ ​No,​ ​in​ ​all​ ​these​ ​things​ ​we​ ​are​ ​more​ ​than​ ​conquerors​ ​through​ ​him who​ ​loved​ ​us.​ ​For​ ​I​ ​am​ ​convinced​ ​that​ ​neither​ ​death,​ ​nor​ ​life,​ ​nor​ ​angels,​ ​nor​ ​rulers,​ ​nor​ ​things present,​ ​nor​ ​things​ ​to​ ​come,​ ​nor​ ​powers,​ ​nor​ ​height,​ ​nor​ ​depth,​ ​nor​ ​anything​ ​else​ ​in​ ​all​ ​creation, will​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​separate​ ​us​ ​from​ ​the​ ​love​ ​of​ ​God​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​Jesus​ ​our​ ​Lord.

Martha​ ​said​ ​to​ ​Jesus,​ ​“Lord,​ ​if​ ​you​ ​had​ ​been​ ​here,​ ​my​ ​brother​ ​would​ ​not​ ​have​ ​died.​ ​But​ ​even now​ ​I​ ​know​ ​that​ ​God​ ​will​ ​give​ ​you​ ​whatever​ ​you​ ​ask​ ​of​ ​him.”​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​to​ ​her,​ ​“Your​ ​brother will​ ​rise​ ​again.”​ ​Martha​ ​said​ ​to​ ​him,​ ​“I​ ​know​ ​that​ ​he​ ​will​ ​rise​ ​again​ ​in​ ​the​ ​resurrection​ ​on​ ​the​ ​last day.”​ ​Jesus​ ​said​ ​to​ ​her,​ ​“I​ ​am​ ​the​ ​resurrection​ ​and​ ​the​ ​life.​ ​Those​ ​who​ ​believe​ ​in​ ​me,​ ​even​ ​though they​ ​die,​ ​will​ ​live,​ ​and​ ​everyone​ ​who​ ​lives​ ​and​ ​believes​ ​in​ ​me​ ​will​ ​never​ ​die.​ ​Do​ ​you​ ​believe this?”​ ​She​ ​said​ ​to​ ​him,​ ​“Yes,​ ​Lord,​ ​I​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​the​ ​Messiah,​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​the​ ​one coming​ ​into​ ​the​ ​world.”

I​ ​am​ ​the​ ​good​ ​shepherd.​ ​The​ ​good​ ​shepherd​ ​lays​ ​down​ ​his​ ​life​ ​for​ ​the​ ​sheep.​ ​The​ ​hired​ ​hand, who​ ​is​ ​not​ ​the​ ​shepherd​ ​and​ ​does​ ​not​ ​own​ ​the​ ​sheep,​ ​sees​ ​the​ ​wolf​ ​coming​ ​and​ ​leaves​ ​the​ ​sheep and​ ​runs​ ​away—and​ ​the​ ​wolf​ ​snatches​ ​them​ ​and​ ​scatters​ ​them.​ ​The​ ​hired​ ​hand​ ​runs​ ​away because​ ​a​ ​hired​ ​hand​ ​does​ ​not​ ​care​ ​for​ ​the​ ​sheep.​ ​I​ ​am​ ​the​ ​good​ ​shepherd.​ ​I​ ​know​ ​my​ ​own​ ​and my​ ​own​ ​know​ ​me,​ ​just​ ​as​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​knows​ ​me​ ​and​ ​I​ ​know​ ​the​ ​Father.​ ​And​ ​I​ ​lay​ ​down​ ​my​ ​life for​ ​the​ ​sheep.​ ​I​ ​have​ ​other​ ​sheep​ ​that​ ​do​ ​not​ ​belong​ ​to​ ​this​ ​fold.​ ​I​ ​must​ ​bring​ ​them​ ​also,​ ​and​ ​they will​ ​listen​ ​to​ ​my​ ​voice.​ ​So​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​one​ ​flock,​ ​one​ ​shepherd.

Everything​ ​that​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​gives​ ​me​ ​will​ ​come​ ​to​ ​me,​ ​and​ ​anyone​ ​who​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​me​ ​I​ ​will​ ​never drive​ ​away;​ ​for​ ​I​ ​have​ ​come​ ​down​ ​from​ ​heaven,​ ​not​ ​to​ ​do​ ​my​ ​own​ ​will,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​him​ ​who sent​ ​me.​ ​And​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​him​ ​who​ ​sent​ ​me,​ ​that​ ​I​ ​should​ ​lose​ ​nothing​ ​of​ ​all​ ​that​ ​he​ ​has given​ ​me,​ ​but​ ​raise​ ​it​ ​up​ ​on​ ​the​ ​last​ ​day.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​indeed​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​my​ ​Father,​ ​that​ ​all​ ​who​ ​see​ ​the Son​ ​and​ ​believe​ ​in​ ​him​ ​may​ ​have​ ​eternal​ ​life;​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​raise​ ​them​ ​up​ ​on​ ​the​ ​last​ ​day.

Very​ ​truly,​ ​I​ ​tell​ ​you,​ ​anyone​ ​who​ ​hears​ ​my​ ​word​ ​and​ ​believes​ ​him​ ​who​ ​sent​ ​me​ ​has​ ​eternal​ ​life, and​ ​does​ ​not​ ​come​ ​under​ ​judgment,​ ​but​ ​has​ ​passed​ ​from​ ​death​ ​to​ ​life.​ ​“Very​ ​truly,​ ​I​ ​tell​ ​you,​ ​the hour​ ​is​ ​coming,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​now​ ​here,​ ​when​ ​the​ ​dead​ ​will​ ​hear​ ​the​ ​voice​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​of​ ​God,​ ​and​ ​those who​ ​hear​ ​will​ ​live.​ ​For​ ​just​ ​as​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​has​ ​life​ ​in​ ​himself,​ ​so​ ​he​ ​has​ ​granted​ ​the​ ​Son​ ​also​ ​to have​ ​life​ ​in​ ​himself;​ ​and​ ​he​ ​has​ ​given​ ​him​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​execute​ ​judgment,​ ​because​ ​he​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Son of​ ​Man.

I​ ​love​ ​the​ ​LORD,​ ​because​ ​he​ ​has​ ​heard
my​ ​voice​ ​and​ ​my​ ​supplications.
Because​ ​he​ ​inclined​ ​his​ ​ear​ ​to​ ​me,
therefore​ ​I​ ​will​ ​call​ ​on​ ​him​ ​as​ ​long​ ​as​ ​I​ ​live.
The​ ​snares​ ​of​ ​death​ ​encompassed​ ​me;
the​ ​pangs​ ​of​ ​Sheol​ ​laid​ ​hold​ ​on​ ​me;
I​ ​suffered​ ​distress​ ​and​ ​anguish.
Then​ ​I​ ​called​ ​on​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD:
“O​ ​LORD,​ ​I​ ​pray,​ ​save​ ​my​ ​life!”
​ Gracious​ ​is​ ​the​ ​LORD,​ ​and​ ​righteous;
our​ ​God​ ​is​ ​merciful.
The​ ​LORD​ ​protects​ ​the​ ​simple;
when​ ​I​ ​was​ ​brought​ ​low,​ ​he​ ​saved​ ​me.
Return,​ ​O​ ​my​ ​soul,​ ​to​ ​your​ ​rest,
for​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​has​ ​dealt​ ​bountifully​ ​with​ ​you.
For​ ​you​ ​have​ ​delivered​ ​my​ ​soul​ ​from​ ​death,
my​ ​eyes​ ​from​ ​tears,
my​ ​feet​ ​from​ ​stumbling.
I​ ​walk​ ​before​ ​the​ ​LORD
in​ ​the​ ​land​ ​of​ ​the​ ​living.
I​ ​kept​ ​my​ ​faith,​ ​even​ ​when​ ​I​ ​said,
“I​ ​am​ ​greatly​ ​afflicted”;
I​ ​said​ ​in​ ​my​ ​consternation,
“Everyone​ ​is​ ​a​ ​liar.”
What​ ​shall​ ​I​ ​return​ ​to​ ​the​ ​LORD
for​ ​all​ ​his​ ​bounty​ ​to​ ​me?
I​ ​will​ ​lift​ ​up​ ​the​ ​cup​ ​of​ ​salvation
and​ ​call​ ​on​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,
I​ ​will​ ​pay​ ​my​ ​vows​ ​to​ ​the​ ​LORD
in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​all​ ​his​ ​people.
Precious​ ​in​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD
is​ ​the​ ​death​ ​of​ ​his​ ​faithful​ ​ones.
O​ ​LORD,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​your​ ​servant;
I​ ​am​ ​your​ ​servant,​ ​the​ ​child​ ​of​ ​your​ ​serving​ ​girl.
You​ ​have​ ​loosed​ ​my​ ​bonds.
I​ ​will​ ​offer​ ​to​ ​you​ ​a​ ​thanksgiving​ ​sacrifice
and​ ​call​ ​on​ ​the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD.
I​ ​will​ ​pay​ ​my​ ​vows​ ​to​ ​the​ ​LORD
in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​all​ ​his​ ​people,
in​ ​the​ ​courts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​house​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,
in​ ​your​ ​midst,​ ​O​ ​Jerusalem.
Praise​ ​the​ ​LORD!

Praise​ ​the​ ​LORD!
O​ ​give​ ​thanks​ ​to​ ​the​ ​LORD,​ ​for​ ​he​ ​is​ ​good;
for​ ​his​ ​steadfast​ ​love​ ​endures​ ​forever.
Who​ ​can​ ​utter​ ​the​ ​mighty​ ​doings​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,
or​ ​declare​ ​all​ ​his​ ​praise?
Happy​ ​are​ ​those​ ​who​ ​observe​ ​justice,
who​ ​do​ ​righteousness​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times.
Remember​ ​me,​ ​O​ ​LORD,​ ​when​ ​you​ ​show​ ​favor​ ​to​ ​your​ ​people;
help​ ​me​ ​when​ ​you​ ​deliver​ ​them;
that​ ​I​ ​may​ ​see​ ​the​ ​prosperity​ ​of​ ​your​ ​chosen​ ​ones,
that​ ​I​ ​may​ ​rejoice​ ​in​ ​the​ ​gladness​ ​of​ ​your​ ​nation,
that​ ​I​ ​may​ ​glory​ ​in​ ​your​ ​heritage.

The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​my​ ​light​ ​and​ ​my​ ​salvation;
whom​ ​shall​ ​I​ ​fear?
The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​the​ ​stronghold​ ​of​ ​my​ ​life;
of​ ​whom​ ​shall​ ​I​ ​be​ ​afraid?
When​ ​evildoers​ ​assail​ ​me
to​ ​devour​ ​my​ ​flesh—
my​ ​adversaries​ ​and​ ​foes—
they​ ​shall​ ​stumble​ ​and​ ​fall.
Though​ ​an​ ​army​ ​encamp​ ​against​ ​me,
my​ ​heart​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​fear;
though​ ​war​ ​rise​ ​up​ ​against​ ​me,
yet​ ​I​ ​will​ ​be​ ​confident.
One​ ​thing​ ​I​ ​asked​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,
that​ ​will​ ​I​ ​seek​ ​after:
to​ ​live​ ​in​ ​the​ ​house​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD
all​ ​the​ ​days​ ​of​ ​my​ ​life,
to​ ​behold​ ​the​ ​beauty​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,
and​ ​to​ ​inquire​ ​in​ ​his​ ​temple.
For​ ​he​ ​will​ ​hide​ ​me​ ​in​ ​his​ ​shelter
in​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​trouble;
he​ ​will​ ​conceal​ ​me​ ​under​ ​the​ ​cover​ ​of​ ​his​ ​tent;
he​ ​will​ ​set​ ​me​ ​high​ ​on​ ​a​ ​rock.
Now​ ​my​ ​head​ ​is​ ​lifted​ ​up
above​ ​my​ ​enemies​ ​all​ ​around​ ​me,
and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​offer​ ​in​ ​his​ ​tent
sacrifices​ ​with​ ​shouts​ ​of​ ​joy;
I​ ​will​ ​sing​ ​and​ ​make​ ​melody​ ​to​ ​the​ ​LORD.
Hear,​ ​O​ ​LORD,​ ​when​ ​I​ ​cry​ ​aloud,
be​ ​gracious​ ​to​ ​me​ ​and​ ​answer​ ​me!
“Come,”​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​says,​ ​“seek​ ​his​ ​face!”
Your​ ​face,​ ​LORD,​ ​do​ ​I​ ​seek.
Do​ ​not​ ​hide​ ​your​ ​face​ ​from​ ​me.
​​Do​ ​not​ ​turn​ ​your​ ​servant​ ​away​ ​in​ ​anger,
you​ ​who​ ​have​ ​been​ ​my​ ​help.
Do​ ​not​ ​cast​ ​me​ ​off,​ ​do​ ​not​ ​forsake​ ​me,
O​ ​God​ ​of​ ​my​ ​salvation!
If​ ​my​ ​father​ ​and​ ​mother​ ​forsake​ ​me,
the​ ​LORD​ ​will​ ​take​ ​me​ ​up.
Teach​ ​me​ ​your​ ​way,​ ​O​ ​LORD,
and​ ​lead​ ​me​ ​on​ ​a​ ​level​ ​path
because​ ​of​ ​my​ ​enemies.
Do​ ​not​ ​give​ ​me​ ​up​ ​to​ ​the​ ​will​ ​of​ ​my​ ​adversaries,
for​ ​false​ ​witnesses​ ​have​ ​risen​ ​against​ ​me,
and​ ​they​ ​are​ ​breathing​ ​out​ ​violence.
I​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​see​ ​the​ ​goodness​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD
in​ ​the​ ​land​ ​of​ ​the​ ​living.
Wait​ ​for​ ​the​ ​LORD;
be​ ​strong,​ ​
and​ ​let​ ​your​ ​heart​ ​take​ ​courage;
wait​ ​for​ ​the​ ​LORD!

The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​my​ ​shepherd,​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​want.
He​ ​makes​ ​me​ ​lie​ ​down​ ​in​ ​green​ ​pastures;
he​ ​leads​ ​me​ ​beside​ ​still​ ​waters;
he​ ​restores​ ​my​ ​soul.
He​ ​leads​ ​me​ ​in​ ​right​ ​paths
for​ ​his​ ​name’s​ ​sake.
Even​ ​though​ ​I​ ​walk​ ​through​ ​the​ ​darkest​ ​valley,
I​ ​fear​ ​no​ ​evil;
for​ ​you​ ​are​ ​with​ ​me;
your​ ​rod​ ​and​ ​your​ ​staff—
they​ ​comfort​ ​me.
You​ ​prepare​ ​a​ ​table​ ​before​ ​me
in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​my​ ​enemies;
you​ ​anoint​ ​my​ ​head​ ​with​ ​oil;
my​ ​cup​ ​overflows.
Surely​ ​goodness​ ​and​ ​mercy​ ​shall​ ​follow​ ​me
all​ ​the​ ​days​ ​of​ ​my​ ​life,
and​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​dwell​ ​in​ ​the​ ​house​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD
my​ ​whole​ ​life​ ​long.

O​ ​LORD,​ ​you​ ​have​ ​searched​ ​me​ ​and​ ​known​ ​me.
You​ ​know​ ​when​ ​I​ ​sit​ ​down​ ​and​ ​when​ ​I​ ​rise​ ​up;
you​ ​discern​ ​my​ ​thoughts​ ​from​ ​far​ ​away.
You​ ​search​ ​out​ ​my​ ​path​ ​and​ ​my​ ​lying​ ​down,
and​ ​are​ ​acquainted​ ​with​ ​all​ ​my​ ​ways.
Even​ ​before​ ​a​ ​word​ ​is​ ​on​ ​my​ ​tongue,
O​ ​LORD,​ ​you​ ​know​ ​it​ ​completely.
You​ ​hem​ ​me​ ​in,​ ​behind​ ​and​ ​before,
and​ ​lay​ ​your​ ​hand​ ​upon​ ​me.
Such​ ​knowledge​ ​is​ ​too​ ​wonderful​ ​for​ ​me;
it​ ​is​ ​so​ ​high​ ​that​ ​I​ ​cannot​ ​attain​ ​it.
Where​ ​can​ ​I​ ​go​ ​from​ ​your​ ​spirit?
Or​ ​where​ ​can​ ​I​ ​flee​ ​from​ ​your​ ​presence?
If​ ​I​ ​ascend​ ​to​ ​heaven,​ ​you​ ​are​ ​there;
if​ ​I​ ​make​ ​my​ ​bed​ ​in​ ​Sheol,​ ​you​ ​are​ ​there.
If​ ​I​ ​take​ ​the​ ​wings​ ​of​ ​the​ ​morning
and​ ​settle​ ​at​ ​the​ ​farthest​ ​limits​ ​of​ ​the​ ​sea,
even​ ​there​ ​your​ ​hand​ ​shall​ ​lead​ ​me,
and​ ​your​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​shall​ ​hold​ ​me​ ​fast.
If​ ​I​ ​say,​ ​“Surely​ ​the​ ​darkness​ ​shall​ ​cover​ ​me,
and​ ​the​ ​light​ ​around​ ​me​ ​become​ ​night.”

Out​ ​of​ ​the​ ​depths​ ​I​ ​cry​ ​to​ ​you,​ ​O​ ​LORD.
Lord,​ ​hear​ ​my​ ​voice!
Let​ ​your​ ​ears​ ​be​ ​attentive
to​ ​the​ ​voice​ ​of​ ​my​ ​supplications!
If​ ​you,​ ​O​ ​LORD,​ ​should​ ​mark​ ​iniquities,
Lord,​ ​who​ ​could​ ​stand?
But​ ​there​ ​is​ ​forgiveness​ ​with​ ​you,
so​ ​that​ ​you​ ​may​ ​be​ ​revered.
I​ ​wait​ ​for​ ​the​ ​LORD,​ ​my​ ​soul​ ​waits,
and​ ​in​ ​his​ ​word​ ​I​ ​hope;
my​ ​soul​ ​waits​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Lord
more​ ​than​ ​those​ ​who​ ​watch​ ​for​ ​the​ ​morning,
more​ ​than​ ​those​ ​who​ ​watch​ ​for​ ​the​ ​morning.
O​ ​Israel,​ ​hope​ ​in​ ​the​ ​LORD!
For​ ​with​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​there​ ​is​ ​steadfast​ ​love,
and​ ​with​ ​him​ ​is​ ​great​ ​power​ ​to​ ​redeem.
It​ ​is​ ​he​ ​who​ ​will​ ​redeem​ ​Israel
from​ ​all​ ​its​ ​iniquities.

I​ ​lift​ ​up​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​to​ ​the​ ​hills—
from​ ​where​ ​will​ ​my​ ​help​ ​come?
My​ ​help​ ​comes​ ​from​ ​the​ ​LORD,
who​ ​made​ ​heaven​ ​and​ ​earth.
He​ ​will​ ​not​ ​let​ ​your​ ​foot​ ​be​ ​moved;
he​ ​who​ ​keeps​ ​you​ ​will​ ​not​ ​slumber.
He​ ​who​ ​keeps​ ​Israel
will​ ​neither​ ​slumber​ ​nor​ ​sleep.
The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​your​ ​keeper;
the​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​your​ ​shade​ ​at​ ​your​ ​right​ ​hand.
The​ ​sun​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​strike​ ​you​ ​by​ ​day,
nor​ ​the​ ​moon​ ​by​ ​night.
The​ ​LORD​ ​will​ ​keep​ ​you​ ​from​ ​all​ ​evil;
he​ ​will​ ​keep​ ​your​ ​life.
The​ ​LORD​ ​will​ ​keep
your​ ​going​ ​out​ ​and​ ​your​ ​coming​ ​in
from​ ​this​ ​time​ ​on​ ​and​ ​forevermore.

Lord,​ ​you​ ​have​ ​been​ ​our​ ​dwelling​ ​place
in​ ​all​ ​generations.
Before​ ​the​ ​mountains​ ​were​ ​brought​ ​forth,
or​ ​ever​ ​you​ ​had​ ​formed​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​and​ ​the​ ​world,
from​ ​everlasting​ ​to​ ​everlasting​ ​you​ ​are​ ​God.
You​ ​turn​ ​us​ ​back​ ​to​ ​dust,
and​ ​say,​ ​“Turn​ ​back,​ ​you​ ​mortals.”
For​ ​a​ ​thousand​ ​years​ ​in​ ​your​ ​sight
are​ ​like​ ​yesterday​ ​when​ ​it​ ​is​ ​past,
or​ ​like​ ​a​ ​watch​ ​in​ ​the​ ​night.
You​ ​sweep​ ​them​ ​away;​ ​they​ ​are​ ​like​ ​a​ ​dream,
like​ ​grass​ ​that​ ​is​ ​renewed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning;
in​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​it​ ​flourishes​ ​and​ ​is​ ​renewed;
in​ ​the​ ​evening​ ​it​ ​fades​ ​and​ ​withers.
For​ ​we​ ​are​ ​consumed​ ​by​ ​your​ ​anger;
by​ ​your​ ​wrath​ ​we​ ​are​ ​overwhelmed.
You​ ​have​ ​set​ ​our​ ​iniquities​ ​before​ ​you,
our​ ​secret​ ​sins​ ​in​ ​the​ ​light​ ​of​ ​your​ ​countenance.
For​ ​all​ ​our​ ​days​ ​pass​ ​away​ ​under​ ​your​ ​wrath;
our​ ​years​ ​come​ ​to​ ​an​ ​end​ ​like​ ​a​ ​sigh.
The​ ​days​ ​of​ ​our​ ​life​ ​are​ ​seventy​ ​years,
or​ ​perhaps​ ​eighty,​ ​if​ ​we​ ​are​ ​strong;
even​ ​then​ ​their​ ​span​ ​is​ ​only​ ​toil​ ​and​ ​trouble;
they​ ​are​ ​soon​ ​gone,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​fly​ ​away.
Who​ ​considers​ ​the​ ​power​ ​of​ ​your​ ​anger?
Your​ ​wrath​ ​is​ ​as​ ​great​ ​as​ ​the​ ​fear​ ​that​ ​is​ ​due​ ​you.
So​ ​teach​ ​us​ ​to​ ​count​ ​our​ ​days
that​ ​we​ ​may​ ​gain​ ​a​ ​wise​ ​heart.

God​ ​is​ ​our​ ​refuge​ ​and​ ​strength,
a​ ​very​ ​present​ ​help​ ​in​ ​trouble.
Therefore​ ​we​ ​will​ ​not​ ​fear,​ ​though​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​should​ ​change,
though​ ​the​ ​mountains​ ​shake​ ​in​ ​the​ ​heart​ ​of​ ​the​ ​sea;
though​ ​its​ ​waters​ ​roar​ ​and​ ​foam,
though​ ​the​ ​mountains​ ​tremble​ ​with​ ​its​ ​tumult.
​There​ ​is​ ​a​ ​river​ ​whose​ ​streams​ ​make​ ​glad​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​God,
the​ ​holy​ ​habitation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Most​ ​High.
God​ ​is​ ​in​ ​the​ ​midst​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city;​ ​it​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​be​ ​moved;
God​ ​will​ ​help​ ​it​ ​when​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​dawns.
The​ ​nations​ ​are​ ​in​ ​an​ ​uproar,​ ​the​ ​kingdoms​ ​totter;
he​ ​utters​ ​his​ ​voice,​ ​the​ ​earth​ ​melts.
The​ ​LORD​ ​of​ ​hosts​ ​is​ ​with​ ​us;
the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​Jacob​ ​is​ ​our​ ​refuge.
Come,​ ​behold​ ​the​ ​works​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD;
see​ ​what​ ​desolations​ ​he​ ​has​ ​brought​ ​on​ ​the​ ​earth.
He​ ​makes​ ​wars​ ​cease​ ​to​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​earth;
he​ ​breaks​ ​the​ ​bow,​ ​and​ ​shatters​ ​the​ ​spear;
he​ ​burns​ ​the​ ​shields​ ​with​ ​fire.
“Be​ ​still,​ ​and​ ​know​ ​that​ ​I​ ​am​ ​God!
I​ ​am​ ​exalted​ ​among​ ​the​ ​nations,
I​ ​am​ ​exalted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​earth.”
The​ ​LORD​ ​of​ ​hosts​ ​is​ ​with​ ​us;
the​ ​God​ ​of​ ​Jacob​ ​is​ ​our​ ​refuge.

As​ ​a​ ​deer​ ​longs​ ​for​ ​flowing​ ​streams,
so​ ​my​ ​soul​ ​longs​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​O​ ​God.
My​ ​soul​ ​thirsts​ ​for​ ​God,
for​ ​the​ ​living​ ​God.
When​ ​shall​ ​I​ ​come​ ​and​ ​behold
the​ ​face​ ​of​ ​God?
My​ ​tears​ ​have​ ​been​ ​my​ ​food
day​ ​and​ ​night,
while​ ​people​ ​say​ ​to​ ​me​ ​continually,
“Where​ ​is​ ​your​ ​God?”
These​ ​things​ ​I​ ​remember,
as​ ​I​ ​pour​ ​out​ ​my​ ​soul:
how​ ​I​ ​went​ ​with​ ​the​ ​throng,
and​ ​led​ ​them​ ​in​ ​procession​ ​to​ ​the​ ​house​ ​of​ ​God,
with​ ​glad​ ​shouts​ ​and​ ​songs​ ​of​ ​thanksgiving,
a​ ​multitude​ ​keeping​ ​festival.
Why​ ​are​ ​you​ ​cast​ ​down,​ ​O​ ​my​ ​soul,
and​ ​why​ ​are​ ​you​ ​disquieted​ ​within​ ​me?
Hope​ ​in​ ​God;​ ​for​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​again​ ​praise​ ​him,
my​ ​help​ ​and​ ​my​ ​God.
​​My​ ​soul​ ​is​ ​cast​ ​down​ ​within​ ​me;
therefore​ ​I​ ​remember​ ​you
from​ ​the​ ​land​ ​of​ ​Jordan​ ​and​ ​of​ ​Hermon,
from​ ​Mount​ ​Mizar.
Deep​ ​calls​ ​to​ ​deep
at​ ​the​ ​thunder​ ​of​ ​your​ ​cataracts;
all​ ​your​ ​waves​ ​and​ ​your​ ​billows
have​ ​gone​ ​over​ ​me.

Have​ ​pity​ ​on​ ​me,​ ​have​ ​pity​ ​on​ ​me,​ ​O​ ​you​ ​my​ ​friends,
for​ ​the​ ​hand​ ​of​ ​God​ ​has​ ​touched​ ​me!
Why​ ​do​ ​you,​ ​like​ ​God,​ ​pursue​ ​me,
never​ ​satisfied​ ​with​ ​my​ ​flesh?

“O​ ​that​ ​my​ ​words​ ​were​ ​written​ ​down!
O​ ​that​ ​they​ ​were​ ​inscribed​ ​in​ ​a​ ​book!
O​ ​that​ ​with​ ​an​ ​iron​ ​pen​ ​and​ ​with​ ​lead
they​ ​were​ ​engraved​ ​on​ ​a​ ​rock​ ​forever!
For​ ​I​ ​know​ ​that​ ​my​ ​Redeemer​ ​lives,
and​ ​that​ ​at​ ​the​ ​last​ ​he​ ​will​ ​stand​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​earth;
and​ ​after​ ​my​ ​skin​ ​has​ ​been​ ​thus​ ​destroyed,
then​ ​in​ ​my​ ​flesh​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​see​ ​God,
whom​ ​I​ ​shall​ ​see​ ​on​ ​my​ ​side,
and​ ​my​ ​eyes​ ​shall​ ​behold,​ ​and​ ​not​ ​another.

But​ ​the​ ​souls​ ​of​ ​the​ ​righteous​ ​are​ ​in​ ​the​ ​hand​ ​of​ ​God,
and​ ​no​ ​torment​ ​will​ ​ever​ ​touch​ ​them.

In​ ​the​ ​eyes​ ​of​ ​the​ ​foolish​ ​they​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​have​ ​died,
and​ ​their​ ​departure​ ​was​ ​thought​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​disaster,
and​ ​their​ ​going​ ​from​ ​us​ ​to​ ​be​ ​their​ ​destruction;
but​ ​they​ ​are​ ​at​ ​peace.

​
<p​>For​ ​though​ ​in​ ​the​ ​sight​ ​of​ ​others​ ​they​ ​were​ ​punished,
their​ ​hope​ ​is​ ​full​ ​of​ ​immortality.

Having​ ​been​ ​disciplined​ ​a​ ​little,​ ​they​ ​will​ ​receive​ ​great​ ​good,
because​ ​God​ ​tested​ ​them​ ​and​ ​found​ ​them​ ​worthy​ ​of​ ​himself;

Those​ ​who​ ​trust​ ​in​ ​him​ ​will​ ​understand​ ​truth,
and​ ​the​ ​faithful​ ​will​ ​abide​ ​with​ ​him​ ​in​ ​love,
because​ ​grace​ ​and​ ​mercy​ ​are​ ​upon​ ​his​ ​holy​ ​ones,
and​ ​he​ ​watches​ ​over​ ​his​ ​elect.

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.

In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,

and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.

For though in the sight of others they were punished,
their hope is full of immortality.

Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good,
because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;

Those who trust in him will understand truth,
and the faithful will abide with him in love,
because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones,
and he watches over his elect.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

The​ ​steadfast​ ​love​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​never​ ​ceases,
his​ ​mercies​ ​never​ ​come​ ​to​ ​an​ ​end;
they​ ​are​ ​new​ ​every​ ​morning; great​ ​is​ ​your​ ​faithfulness.
“The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​my​ ​portion,”​ ​says​ ​my​ ​soul, “therefore​ ​I​ ​will​ ​hope​ ​in​ ​him.”

The​ ​LORD​ ​is​ ​good​ ​to​ ​those​ ​who​ ​wait​ ​for​ ​him,
to​ ​the​ ​soul​ ​that​ ​seeks​ ​him.
It​ ​is​ ​good​ ​that​ ​one​ ​should​ ​wait​ ​quietly
for​ ​the​ ​salvation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD.

For​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​will​ ​not
reject​ ​forever.
Although​ ​he​ ​causes​ ​grief,​ ​he​ ​will​ ​have​ ​compassion
according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​abundance​ ​of​ ​his​ ​steadfast​ ​love;
for​ ​he​ ​does​ ​not​ ​willingly​ ​afflict
or​ ​grieve​ ​anyone.

The​ ​spirit​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​GOD​ ​is​ ​upon​ ​me,
because​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​has​ ​anointed​ ​me;

he​ ​has​ ​sent​ ​me​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​good​ ​news​ ​to​ ​the​ ​oppressed,
to​ ​bind​ ​up​ ​the​ ​brokenhearted,

to​ ​proclaim​ ​liberty​ ​to​ ​the​ ​captives,
and​ ​release​ ​to​ ​the​ ​prisoners;

to​ ​proclaim​ ​the​ ​year​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD’S​ ​favor,
and​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​vengeance​ ​of​ ​our​ ​God;
to​ ​comfort​ ​all​ ​who​ ​mourn;

to​ ​provide​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who​ ​mourn​ ​in​ ​Zion—
to​ ​give​ ​them​ ​a​ ​garland​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​ashes,

the​ ​oil​ ​of​ ​gladness​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​mourning,
the​ ​mantle​ ​of​ ​praise​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​a​ ​faint​ ​spirit.

They​ ​will​ ​be​ ​called​ ​oaks​ ​of​ ​righteousness,
the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​the​ ​LORD,​ ​to​ ​display​ ​his​ ​glory.

On​ ​this​ ​mountain​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​of​ ​hosts​ ​will​ ​make​ ​for​ ​all​ ​peoples
a​ ​feast​ ​of​ ​rich​ ​food,​ ​a​ ​feast​ ​of​ ​well-aged​ ​wines,
of​ ​rich​ ​food​ ​filled​ ​with​ ​marrow,​ ​of​ ​well-aged​ ​wines​ ​strained​ ​clear.

And​ ​he​ ​will​ ​destroy​ ​on​ ​this​ ​mountain
the​ ​shroud​ ​that​ ​is​ ​cast​ ​over​ ​all​ ​peoples,
the​ ​sheet​ ​that​ ​is​ ​spread​ ​over​ ​all​ ​nations;
he​ ​will​ ​swallow​ ​up​ ​death​ ​forever.

Then​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​GOD​ ​will​ ​wipe​ ​away​ ​the​ ​tears​ ​from​ ​all​ ​faces,
and​ ​the​ ​disgrace​ ​of​ ​his​ ​people​ ​he​ ​will​ ​take​ ​away​ ​from​ ​all​ ​the​ ​earth,
for​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​has​ ​spoken.

It​ ​will​ ​be​ ​said​ ​on​ ​that​ ​day,
Lo,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​our​ ​God;​ ​we​ ​have​ ​waited​ ​for​ ​him,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​he​ ​might​ ​save​ ​us.
This​ ​is​ ​the​ ​LORD​ ​for​ ​whom​ ​we​ ​have​ ​waited;
let​ ​us​ ​be​ ​glad​ ​and​ ​rejoice​ ​in​ ​his​ ​salvation.