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 saviour; whom then should I fear? The Lord protects my life; whom then should 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 drew near to assail me and eat up my flesh, it was those who distressed and opposed me who 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 against me a host should encamp, yet my heart would be fearless: though battle should rise up against me, still would I be trustful.

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 asked of the Lord, and that do I long for – To live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the grace of the Lord and inquire 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 he will hide me in his shelter in the day of misfortune. In his sheltering tent he hides me: he lifts me up on 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.

And now that my head he has lifted above my encircling foes, I will march round the altar and sacrifice, shouting with joy, in his tent, making music and song to the Lord.

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

Hear, O Lord, my loud cry, and graciously answer me.

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

My heart has said to you, ‘Your face, O Lord, 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.

Hide not your face from me, reject not your servant in anger: for you have been my help. Abandon me not, nor forsake me, O God of my help:

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

for father and mother have left 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 your way, O Lord: lead me in an even 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, O Lord, unto the rage of my foes; for against me have risen false witnesses, breathing out cruelty.

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

Firm is the faith I cherish, that I, in the land of the living, will yet see the goodness of God.

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

Let your heart be courageous and strong, and wait on the Lord.