Psalms 27

1 [By David.] YHWH is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? YHWH is the stronghold 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 evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh, even my adversaries and my foes, 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 Though an army is deployed against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, even then I will 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 I have asked of YHWH, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of YHWH all the days of my life, to see YHWH's beauty, and to inquire 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 trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the covert of his tabernacle he will hide me. He will lift me up on 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 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to YHWH.

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, YHWH, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me.

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

8 My heart said of you, "Seek his face." Your face, YHWH, I will seek.

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

9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not abandon me, neither forsake me, 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 When my father and my mother forsake me, then YHWH will take me up.

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

11 Teach me your way, YHWH. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.

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

12 Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, 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 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of YHWH 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 YHWH. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for YHWH.

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