Psalm 27

A psalm of David.

¹The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

²When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

³Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident.

⁴The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.

⁵For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

he will hide me in his sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

⁶Then I will hold my head high

above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the Lord with music.

⁷Hear me as I pray, O Lord.

Be merciful and answer me!

⁸My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

⁹Do not turn your back on me.

Do not reject your servant in anger.

You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

O God of my salvation!

¹⁰Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close.

¹¹Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

¹²Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

¹³Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

¹⁴Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.