Psalms 27

1 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?

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

2 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.

When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

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

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

4 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.

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

5 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.

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

6 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.

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

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

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

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

My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

9 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.

Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

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

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

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

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

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

Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

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

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

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

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!