Psalms 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

1The LORD is my light. He is the one who saves me. So I am not afraid of anyone. The LORD keeps my life safe. So who could scare me?

2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

2Bad people came at me to tear me apart. They were my enemies. But they tripped and fell.

3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

3A whole army could camp around me, and my heart would still not be afraid. A war could start against me, and I would still trust God.

4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

4I have asked the LORD for one thing. This is what I want most. I want to live in the LORD's house every day of my life. I want to look at how good and beautiful he is. I want to ask for him in his temple, the place where people worship him.

5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

5When trouble comes, he will hide me in his shelter. He will keep me safe inside his tent. He will set me up high on a rock.

NoteThe old words "pavilion" and "tabernacle" both mean a tent. Long ago, God's special worship place was a large tent.

6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

6Then I will hold my head up high, above the enemies all around me. At his tent I will bring gifts to God and shout with joy. I will sing. Yes, I will sing songs to the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

7Listen to me, LORD, when I call out loud. Be kind to me. Please answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

8My heart said, "Go and look for God." So I say, LORD, you are the one I am looking for.

9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

9Do not hide your face from me. Do not send me away when you are angry. I belong to you. You have always been the one who helps me. Do not leave me. Do not walk away from me, God, my rescuer.

10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

10Even if my father and my mother left me, the LORD would take me in.

11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

11Teach me your way, LORD. Lead me on a smooth, flat path. My enemies are waiting for me to slip.

12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

12Do not hand me over to my enemies. They want their way with me. People stand up and tell lies about me. Every word they breathe is cruel.

13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

13I was still sure of one thing. I would see the LORD be good to me. I would see it right here, while I am still alive.

NoteThe King James Bible says, "I had fainted, unless I had believed." Here "fainted" means "given up hope." So David is saying he kept going only because he believed.

14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

14Wait for the LORD. Be brave and strong. He will make your heart strong. I say it again: wait for the LORD.