Psalm 56

For the choir director: A psalm^a of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.”

¹O God, have mercy on me,

for people are hounding me.

My foes attack me all day long.

²I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,

and many are boldly attacking me.

³But when I am afraid,

I will put my trust in you.

⁴I praise God for what he has promised.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

⁵They are always twisting what I say;

they spend their days plotting to harm me.

⁶They come together to spy on me—

watching my every step, eager to kill me.

⁷Don’t let them get away with their wickedness;

in your anger, O God, bring them down.

⁸You keep track of all my sorrows.^b

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

⁹My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.

This I know: God is on my side!

¹⁰I praise God for what he has promised;

yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.

¹¹I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

¹²I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,

and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.

¹³For you have rescued me from death;

you have kept my feet from slipping.

So now I can walk in your presence, O God,

in your life-giving light.