By David. The L-rd is my light and my salvation - whom shall I
fear? The L-rd is the strength of my life - whom shall I dread?
When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh, my oppressors
and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
If an army were to beleaguer me, my heart would not fear; if war
were to arise against me, in this I trust. One thing I have
asked of the L-rd, this I seek, that I may dwell in the House of
the L-rd all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of
the L-rd, and to visit in His Sanctuary.
For He will hide me in His tabernacle on a day of adversity; He
will conceal me in the hidden places of His tent; He will lift
me upon a rock. And then my head will be raised above my enemies
around me, and I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of
jubilation; I will sing and chant to the L-rd.
L-rd, hear my voice as I call; be gracious to me and answer me.
In Your behalf my heart says, "Seek My countenance;" Your
countenance, L-rd, I seek. Do not conceal Your countenance from
me; do not cast aside Your servant in wrath; You have been my
help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, G-d of my deliverance.
Though my father and mother have forsaken me, the L-rd has taken
me in.
L-rd, teach me Your way and lead me in the path of righteousness
because of my watchful enemies. Do not give me over to the will
of my oppressors, for there have risen against me false witnesses
and they speak evil. [They would have crushed me] had I not
believed that I would see the goodness of the L-rd in the land
of the living.
Hope in the L-rd, be strong and let your heart be valiant, and
hope in the L-rd.
