Psalm 56

Psalm 56

For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.”

1 O God, have mercy on me,
for people are hounding me.
My foes attack me all day long.2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,
and many are boldly attacking me.3 But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.4 I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?5 They are always twisting what I say;
they spend their days plotting to harm me.6 They come together to spy on me—
watching my every step, eager to kill me.7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness;
in your anger, O God, bring them down.8 You keep track of all my sorrows.t
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!10 I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,
and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.13 For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light.

PSALMS 56

A Prayer of Trust in God

1  t Have pity, God Most High!
My enemies chase me all day.

2 Many of them are pursuing
and attacking me,

3 but even when I am afraid,
I keep on trusting you.

4 I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid.
No one can harm me.

5 Enemies spend the whole day
finding fault with me;
all they think about
is how to do me harm.

6 They attack from ambush,
watching my every step
and hoping to kill me.

7 They won't get awayt
with these crimes, God,
because when you get angry,
you destroy people.

8 You have kept record
of my days of wandering.
You have stored my tears
in your bottle
and counted each of them.

9 When I pray, [Lord] God,
my enemies will retreat,
because I know for certain
that you are with me.

10 I praise your promises!

11 I trust you and am not afraid.
No one can harm me.

12 I will keep my promises
to you, my God,
and bring you gifts.

13 You protected me from death
and kept me from stumbling,
so that I would please you
and follow the light
that leads to life.