Psalms 63

1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Idumea. O God, my God, I cry to you early; my soul has thirsted for you: how often has my flesh [longed] after you, in a barren and trackless and dry land!

A psalm of David, when he was in the Judean desert. God, you are my God, I eagerly look for you. I am thirsty for you; all that I am longs for you in this dry, weary, waterless land.

2 Thus have I appeared before you in the sanctuary, that I might see your power and your glory.

I see you in the Temple; I watch your power and glory.

3 For your mercy is better than life: my lips shall praise you.

Your trustworthy love is better than life itself; I will praise you.

4 Thus will I bless you during my life: I will lift up my hands in your name.

I will thank you as long as I live; I lift up my hands as I celebrate your wonderful character.

5 Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness; and [my] joyful lips shall praise your name.

You satisfy me more than the richest food; I will praise you with joyful songs.

6 Forasmuch as I have remembered you on my bed: in the early seasons I have meditated on you.

I think of you all night long as I lie on my bed meditating about you.

7 For you have been my helper, and in the shelter of your wings will I rejoice.

For you are the one who helps me; I sing happily from under your wings.

8 My soul has kept very close behind you: your right hand has upheld me.

I hold on to you; your strong arms lift me up.

9 But they vainly sought after my soul; they shall go into the lowest parts o the earth.

Those who are trying to destroy me will go down into the grave.

10 They shall be delivered up to the power of the sword; they shall be portions for foxes.

They will be killed by the sword; they will become food for jackals.

11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that swears by him shall be praised; for the mouth of them that speak unjust things has been stopped.

But the king will be happy for what God has done. All who follow God will praise him, but those who tell lies will be silenced.