Psalms 27

1 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?

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 the wicked drew near to assail me and eat up my flesh, it was those who distressed and opposed me who stumbled and fell.

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

3 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.

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

4 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

8 My heart has said to you, ‘Your face, O Lord, I seek.’

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

9 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:

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 for father and mother have left me; but the Lord will take me up.

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

11 Teach me your way, O Lord: lead me in an even path, because of my enemies.

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

12 Give me not up, O Lord, unto the rage of my foes; for against me have risen false witnesses, breathing out cruelty.

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

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

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

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

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