Psalms 27

1 [A Psalm] of David, before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my Saviour; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

2 When evil-doers drew near against me to eat up my flesh, my persecutors and mine enemies, they fainted and fell.

When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army should set itself in array against me, my heart shall not be afraid: though war should rise up against me, in this am I confident.

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, this will I earnestly seek: that I should dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, that I should behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and survey his temple.

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

5 For in the day of mine afflictions he hid me in his tabernacle: he sheltered me in the secret of his tabernacle; he set me up on a rock.

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

6 And now, behold, he has lifted up mine head over mine enemies: I went round and offered in his tabernacle the sacrifice of joy; I will sing even sing psalms to the Lord.

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear, O Lord, my voice which I have uttered aloud: pity me, and listen to me.

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

8 My heart said to you, I have diligently sought your face: your face, O Lord, I will seek.

My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

9 Turn not your face away from me, turn not you away from your servant in anger: be you my helper, forsake me not; and, O God my Saviour, overlook me not.

Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord has taken me to himself.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me, O Lord, in your way, and guide me in a right path, because of mine enemies.

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

12 Deliver me not over to the desire of them that afflict me; for unjust witnesses have risen up against me, and injustice has lied within herself.

Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened: yes wait on the Lord.

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!