Psalms 27

1 Yahweh is the one who gives light [to my soul/spirit] and the one who saves me, so I do not [RHQ] need to be afraid of anyone. Yahweh is the one to whom I go for refuge, so I will never 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 those who do evil come near me to attack me, they stumble and fall down.

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 [Even] if an army surrounds me, I [SYN] will not be afraid. [Even] if they attack me, I will trust [in God].

Even if an army surrounds me, I won't be frightened. Even if I am attacked, I will still trust in God.

4 There is one thing that I have requested from Yahweh; this is the one thing that I desire: That I may worship in Yahweh’s house/temple every day of my life, and see that Yahweh is wonderful and inquire [what he wants me to do].

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 He will protect me when I have troubles; he will keep me safe in his Sacred Tent. He will set me safely (on a high rock/in a secure place).

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 Then I will triumph over [IDM] my enemies. I will shout joyfully as I offer sacrifices in his Sacred Tent, and I will praise Yahweh as I sing.

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 Yahweh, listen to me while I pray. Be kind to me and answer my prayer.

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

8 I sensed that I heard you say, “Come and worship me [IDM],” so, Yahweh, I will worship you.

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

9 I am your servant; Do not be angry with me and turn away from me. You have always helped me. You are the one who has saved me, so do not abandon me [now].

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 [Even] if my father and mother desert me, you will take care of [IDM] me.

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

11 Yahweh, teach me to do what you want me to do, and lead me on a safe path because I have many enemies.

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

12 Do not allow my enemies to do to me what they want; they say many false things about me and [threaten to do] violent things to me.

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 But I know that because I trust in you you will be good to me as long as I live.

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

14 So trust in Yahweh, [all of you]! Be strong and courageous, and wait expectantly for him [to help you]!

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