Psalm 27

Psalm 27 – If God is for Me

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my light and my savior;

whom then should I fear?

The Lord protects my life;

whom then should I dread?

2When the wicked drew near to assail me

and eat up my flesh,

it was those who distressed and opposed me

who stumbled and fell.

3Though against me a host should encamp,

yet my heart would be fearless:

though battle should rise up against me,

still would I be trustful.

4One thing have I asked of the Lord,

and that do I long for –

To live in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the grace of the Lord

and inquire in his temple.

5For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of misfortune.

In his sheltering tent he hides me:

he lifts me up on a rock.

6And now that my head he has lifted

above my encircling foes,

I will march round the altar and sacrifice,

shouting with joy, in his tent,

making music and song to the Lord.

The Serenity of Faith

7Hear, O Lord, my loud cry,

and graciously answer me.

8My heart has said to you,

“Your face, O Lord, I seek.”

9Hide not your face from me,

reject not your servant in anger:

for you have been my help.

Abandon me not, nor forsake me,

O God of my help:

10for father and mother have left me;

but the Lord will take me up.

11Teach me your way, O Lord:

lead me in an even path,

because of my enemies.

12Give me not up, O Lord,

unto the rage of my foes;

for against me have risen false witnesses,

breathing out cruelty.

13Firm is the faith I cherish,

that I, in the land of the living,

will yet see the goodness of God.

14Let your heart be courageous and strong,

and wait on the Lord.