15 I said, “Lord, you know how I suffer.Take thought of me and care for me.Pay back for me those who have been persecuting me.Do not be so patient with them that you allow them to kill me.Be mindful of how I have put up with their insults for your sake.
16 As your words came to me I drank them in,and they filled my heart with joy and happinessbecause I belong to you.
17 I did not spend my time in the company of other people,laughing and having a good time.I stayed to myself because I felt obligated to youand because I was filled with anger at what they had done.
18 Why must I continually suffer such painful anguish?Why must I endure the sting of their insults like an incurable wound?Will you let me down when I need youlike a brook one goes to for water, but that cannot be relied on?”
19 Because of this, the Lord said,“You must repent of such words and thoughts!If you do, I will restore you to the privilege of serving me.If you say what is worthwhile instead of what is worthless,I will again allow you to be my spokesman.They must become as you have been.You must not become like them.
20 I will make you as strong as a wall to these people,a fortified wall of bronze.They will attack you,but they will not be able to overcome you.For I will be with you to rescue you and deliver you,”says the Lord.
21 “I will deliver you from the power of the wicked.I will free you from the clutches of violent people.”