THE LORD’S MERCY TO ISRAEL

18 Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,

and is rising up to show you compassion,c

for the Lord is a just God.

All who wait patiently for him are happy.

19 For people will live on Zion in Jerusalem. You will never weep again; he will show favor to you at the sound of your outcry; as soon as he hears, he will answer you.