Psalms  ◦   Chapter 27

1The Lord enlightens me and heals me —
Why should I be afraid? The Lord keeps me safe —
Why should I be afraid?

2When selfish people attack me and try to destroy me,
they will stumble and fall.

3Even if surrounded by an entire army,
I will not be afraid;
even if the army attacks,
I will trust the outcome to God.

4There is one thing I desire from the Lord;
one thing my heart truly wants:
to be part of the Lord’s family and live in his house all my life,
to gaze upon his beauty,
to have him as my teacher.

5He will shelter me from danger;
he will keep me safe in his home
and will establish me, secure, on the immovable Rock.

6My character will rise above the selfish enemies around me.
With joy I will offer my heart as his temple;
I will sing — yes! — I will sing praises to the Lord.

7Hear my request, O Lord,
and by your grace, grant my heart’s desire.

8My heart desires to be in your presence,
so I seek you, Lord —

9don’t hide yourself from me;
don’t say ‘no’ to my request!
You have always helped me;
don’t refuse to help me now,
O my God, my savior.

10Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

11Teach me, Lord, how to live your way;
lead me down healthy paths,
because enemies watch for opportunity to attack.

12Do not leave me to the will of my enemies, for they spread lies about me and threaten me.

13I know that I will see
the beauty of the Lord’s goodness
in the earth made new — the land of eternal life.

14Trust in the Lord,
be strong and confident.
Trust in the Lord.