Psalms 63

1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the desert of Idumea. O God, my God: to you, I keep vigil until first light. For you, my soul has thirsted, to you my body, in so many ways.

[A Psalm by David, when he was in the desert of Judah.] God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water.

2 By a deserted land, both inaccessible and waterless, so I have appeared in the sanctuary before you, in order to behold your virtue and your glory.

So I have seen you in the sanctuary, watching your power and your glory.

3 For your mercy is better than life itself. It is you my lips will praise.

Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.

4 So will I bless you in my life, and I will lift up my hands in your name.

So I will bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands in your name.

5 Let my soul be filled, as if with marrow and fatness; and my mouth will give praise with exultant lips.

My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,

6 When I have remembered you on my bed in the morning, I will meditate on you.

when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches.

7 For you have been my helper. And I will exult under the cover of your wings.

For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul has clung close to you. Your right hand has supported me.

My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.

9 Truly, these ones have sought my soul in vain. They will enter into the lower parts of the earth.

But those who seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10 They will be delivered into the hand of the sword. They will be the portions of foxes.

They shall be given over to the power of the sword. They shall be jackal food.

11 Truly, the king will rejoice in God: all those who swear by him will be praised, because the mouth of those who speak iniquity has been blocked.

But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.