1 By David. The Lord is my light and my salvation. I fear no one. The Lord protects my life. I am afraid of no one. 2 When evil men attack me to devour my flesh, when my adversaries and enemies attack me, they stumble and fall. 3 Even when an army is deployed against me, I do not fear. Even when war is imminent, I remain confident. 4 I have asked the Lord for one thing—this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.⁠a 5 He will surely give me shelter in the day of danger; he will hide me in his home. He will place me on an inaccessible rocky summit. 6 Now I will triumph over my enemies who surround me. I will offer sacrifices in his dwelling place and shout for joy. I will sing praises to the Lord.⁠b 7 Hear me, O Lord, when I cry out. Have mercy on me and answer me. 8 My heart tells me to pray to you, and I do pray to you, O Lord. 9 Do not hide your face from me²⁶.⁠c Do not push your servant away in anger. You are my deliverer. Do not forsake or abandon me, O God who vindicates me. 10 Even if my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord would take me in. 11 Teach me how you want me to live, Lord; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me. 12 Do not turn me over to my enemies, for false witnesses who want to destroy me testify against me.⁠d 13 Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the Lord’s favor in the land of the living? 14 Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!