Psalms 116 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

I love Yahweh because he heard my voice — my desperate cries for help.

Because he leaned down to listen to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Death had its ropes around me, the terrors of the grave closed in. I was drowning in anguish and grief.

Then I called on Yahweh by name: "Please, Yahweh — rescue me!"

Yahweh is generous and just; our God overflows with compassion.

Yahweh watches over the defenseless; when I was crushed, he pulled me out.

Rest again, my soul — Yahweh has been so good to you.

You pulled me back from death, wiped the tears from my eyes, and kept my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in Yahweh's presence in the land of the living.

I held on to my trust even when I said, "I am completely devastated."

In my panic I said, "Everyone will let me down."

How can I ever repay Yahweh for everything he's done for me?

I will lift the cup of rescue and call on Yahweh by name.

I will keep my promises to Yahweh in front of all his people.

The death of those devoted to him is precious in Yahweh's eyes.

Yahweh, I am truly your servant — your servant, born into your household. You have set me free.

I will bring you a sacrifice of thanks and call on Yahweh by name.

I will keep my promises to Yahweh in front of all his people—

in the courtyards of Yahweh's house, right in the heart of Jerusalem. Praise Yahweh!