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?

“A psalm of David.” The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the shield of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

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 me, Even my persecutors and enemies, they 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 a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, yet will I be confident.

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 have I desired of the LORD; that do I yet seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the grace of the LORD, And to gaze upon 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 pavilion; Yea, in the secret place of his tabernacle will he shelter me; He will set me 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.

Yea, already doth he lift my head above my enemies, who are around me; Therefore in his tabernacle will I offer sacrifices with the sound of trumpets; I will sing, yea, with instruments of music I will give praise to the LORD.

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

Hear my voice, O LORD! when I cry unto thee; Have pity upon me, and answer me!

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

When I think of thy precept, “Seek ye my face!” Thy face, LORD, do I 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.

O hide not thou thy face from me; Cast not thy servant away in displeasure! Thou hast been my help, do not leave me; Do not forsake me, O God, my helper!

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

For my father and my mother have forsaken me; But the LORD will take me up.

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

Teach me thy way, O LORD! And lead me in the right path, because of my enemies!

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.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries! For false witnesses have risen up against me, And such as breathe out injustice.

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

I trust that I shall see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Hope thou in the LORD!

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

Be of good courage; let thy heart be strong; Hope thou in the LORD!