Psalms 27

1 [A Psalm] of David, before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my Saviour; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

A psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation! How could anyone scare me? The Lord is my life's fortress! How could anyone terrify me?

2 When evil-doers drew near against me to eat up my flesh, my persecutors and mine enemies, they fainted and fell.

When evil people come at me to tear me apart, it's my enemies, those who are against me, they're the ones who trip and fall.

3 Though an army should set itself in array against me, my heart shall not be afraid: though war should rise up against me, in this am I confident.

Even if an army surrounds me, I won't be frightened. Even if I am attacked, I will still trust in God.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, this will I earnestly seek: that I should dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, that I should behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and survey his temple.

I only ask the Lord for one thing: I just want to live in the house of the Lord throughout my life, contemplating the Lord's goodness and thinking about his Temple.

5 For in the day of mine afflictions he hid me in his tabernacle: he sheltered me in the secret of his tabernacle; he set me up on a rock.

When troubles come he will protect me and keep me safe, hiding me in his house, as secure as if he'd placed me on a high rock.

6 And now, behold, he has lifted up mine head over mine enemies: I went round and offered in his tabernacle the sacrifice of joy; I will sing even sing psalms to the Lord.

He will hold my head high over my enemies who are all around me. I shall offer sacrifices in his house with shouts of joy, and I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, my voice which I have uttered aloud: pity me, and listen to me.

Listen to me, Lord, when I call for help. Be gracious and answer me.

8 My heart said to you, I have diligently sought your face: your face, O Lord, I will seek.

You told me, “Come to me.” I am coming to you, Lord.

9 Turn not your face away from me, turn not you away from your servant in anger: be you my helper, forsake me not; and, O God my Saviour, overlook me not.

Don't refuse to talk to me. Don't be angry with your servant and turn away. You are the one who helps me, so please don't reject me and abandon me, God of my salvation.

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord has taken me to himself.

Even if my father and my mother abandon me, the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me, O Lord, in your way, and guide me in a right path, because of mine enemies.

Lord, teach me your way and lead me along the right path, because my enemies are against me—

12 Deliver me not over to the desire of them that afflict me; for unjust witnesses have risen up against me, and injustice has lied within herself.

don't hand me over to them and their evil intentions, for they are making false accusations against me and threatening me with violence.

13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

However, I'm absolutely sure that I will see the Lord's goodness even in this life.

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened: yes wait on the Lord.

Trust in the Lord! Be confident—he will give you courage! Trust in the Lord!