Psalms 27
A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.
1The Lord is my light and my salvation—
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—
Whom shall I dread?
2When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an army encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
Even in this I am confident.
4One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life,
To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord
And to meditate in His temple.
5For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.
6And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
Be gracious and compassionate to me and answer me.
8When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You,
“Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”
9Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor leave me,
O God of my salvation!
10Although my father and my mother have abandoned me,
Yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].
11Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me on a level path
Because of my enemies [who lie in wait].
12Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
For false witnesses have come against me;
They breathe out violence.
13I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14Wait for and confidently expect the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.