(A special psalm by David.)
The Best Choice
1 Protect me, Lord God!
I run to you for safety,
2 and I have said,
“Only you are my Lord!
Every good thing I have
is a gift from you.”
3 Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy,
4 but worshipers of other gods
will have much sorrow.
I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
or worship in their name.
5 You, Lord, are all I want!
You are my choice,
and you keep me safe.
6 You make my life pleasant,
and my future is bright.
7 I praise you, Lord,
for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
your teachings fill my mind.
8 I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
and protect me from fear.
9 With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
and I can safely rest.
10 I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
or let my body decay.
11 You have shown me
the path to life,
and you make me glad
by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side,
I will always be joyful.
A Prayer of Confidence
1 Protect me, O God; I trust in you for safety.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
all the good things I have come from you.”
3 How excellent are the Lord's faithful people!
My greatest pleasure is to be with them.
4 Those who rush to other gods
bring many troubles on themselves.
I will not take part in their sacrifices;
I will not worship their gods.
5 You, Lord, are all I have,
and you give me all I need;
my future is in your hands.
6 How wonderful are your gifts to me;
how good they are!
7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me,
and in the night my conscience warns me.
8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence;
he is near, and nothing can shake me.
9 And so I am thankful and glad,
and I feel completely secure,
10 because you protect me from the power of death.
I have served you faithfully,
and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.
11 You will show me the path that leads to life;
your presence fills me with joy
and brings me pleasure forever.