[1] The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
[2] When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
[3] Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
[4] The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
[5] For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
[6] Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
[7] Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!
[8] My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
[9] Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!
[10] Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
[11] Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.
[12] Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence.
[13] Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
[14] Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.