Psalms 27

1 [A Psalm] of David. Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength 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, mine adversaries and mine enemies, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled 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 If a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; if war rise against me, in this will I be 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 Jehovah, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Jehovah, and to inquire [of him] in 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 evil he will hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tent will he keep me concealed: he will set me high upon 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 shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; and I will offer in his tent sacrifices of shouts of joy: I will sing, yea, I will sing psalms unto Jehovah.

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, Jehovah; with my voice do I call; be gracious unto me, and answer me.

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

8 My heart said for thee, Seek ye my face. Thy face, O Jehovah, will I seek.

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

9 Hide not thy face from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

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 had my father and my mother forsaken me, then had Jehovah taken me up.

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

11 Teach me thy way, Jehovah, and lead me in an even 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 will of mine adversaries; for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out violence.

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 Unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah 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 for Jehovah; be strong and let thy heart take courage: yea, wait for Jehovah.

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