27
Psalm 27 — If God is for Me
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my saviour;
whom then should I fear?
The Lord protects my life;
whom then should I dread?
2 When the wicked drew near to assail me
and eat up my flesh,
it was those who distressed and opposed me
who stumbled and fell.
3 Though against me a host should encamp,
yet my heart would be fearless:
though battle should rise up against me,
still would I be trustful.
4 One 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 enquire in his temple.
5 For 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.
6 And 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
7 Hear, O Lord, my loud cry,
and graciously answer me.
8 My heart has said to you,
“Your face, O Lord, I seek.”
9 Hide 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:
10 for father and mother have left me;
but the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord:
lead me in an even path,
because of my enemies.
12 Give me not up, O Lord,
unto the rage of my foes;
for against me have risen false witnesses,
breathing out cruelty.
13 Firm is the faith I cherish,
that I, in the land of the living,
will yet see the goodness of God.
14 Let your heart be courageous and strong,
and wait on the Lord.