1 T he Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

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

3 T hough a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 O ne thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.

5 F or in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.

6 A nd now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 H ear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me!

8 Y ou have said, Seek My face. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require.

9 H ide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger, You Who have been my help! Cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!

10 A lthough my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up.

11 T each me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies.

12 G ive me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence.

13 h ad I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!

14 W ait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.