4 Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

makes me feel secure.

1 Light, space, zest—

that’s God!

So, with him on my side I’m fearless,

afraid of no one and nothing.

49-56 Remember what you said to me, your servant—

I hang on to these words for dear life!

These words hold me up in bad times;

yes, your promises rejuvenate me.

The haters hate me without mercy,

but I don’t budge from your revelation.

I watch for your ancient landmark words,

and know I’m on the right track.

But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,

I’m beside myself with anger.

I set your instructions to music

and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.

I meditate on your name all night, God,

treasuring your revelation, O God.

Still, I walk through a rain of derision

because I live by your Word and counsel.

* * *

73-80 With your very own hands you formed me;

now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.

When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,

those who fear you will take heart and be glad.

I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;

your testing has taught me what’s true and right.

Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!

just the way you promised.

Now comfort me so I can live, really live;

your revelation is the tune I dance to.

Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;

they tried to sell me a bill of goods,

but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.

Let those who fear you turn to me

for evidence of your wise guidance.

And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,

so I can always walk with my head held high.

* * *

25-27 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,

to the woman who diligently seeks.

It’s a good thing to quietly hope,

quietly hope for help from God.

It’s a good thing when you’re young

to stick it out through the hard times.

23-27 "If only my words were written in a book—

better yet, chiseled in stone!

Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—

and eventually he’ll take his stand on earth.

And I’ll see him—even though I get skinned alive!—

see God myself, with my very own eyes.

Oh, how I long for that day!

2 "Yes, indeed—God is my salvation.

I trust, I won’t be afraid.

God—yes God!—is my strength and song,

best of all, my salvation!"

7,8 Then Moses summoned Joshua. He said to him with all Israel watching, "Be strong. Take courage. You will enter the land with this people, this land that God promised their ancestors that he’d give them. You will make them the proud possessors of it. God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry."

* * *

1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant:

"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

5,6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;

I’m fearless no matter what.

Who or what can get to me?

4 "You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

7 But me, I’m not giving up.

I’m sticking around to see what God will do.

I’m waiting for God to make things right.

I’m counting on God to listen to me.

18-20 "I will not leave you orphaned. I’m coming back. In just a little while the world will no longer see me, but you’re going to see me because I am alive and you’re about to come alive. At that moment you will know absolutely that I’m in my Father, and you’re in me, and I’m in you.