Psalm 56

(Composed by David at the time that he was captured by the Philistines in Gath)

Be merciful to me, O God,
For man has trod me under foot
And harassed me each day with assaults.
Indeed, each day my enemies
Would consume me, for there are many
Who have the gall to fight against me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

In God whose word I praise,
In God I put my trust.
Why then should I be afraid?
What can mortals do to me?

Whatever I say, they distort my words.
All their evil thoughts plot my ruination.
In secrecy they conspire against me.
They watch my every step, waiting in ambush.
Shall they get away with their iniquity?
In your wrath, O God, you must bring them down!

You have taken note of my tribulations
And have caught all my tears in your bottle.
Are they not inscribed in your book of records?
The day when I call out to you for help
And my enemies hasten to retreat,
Then I will know that God is on my side.

In God whose word I praise.
(Yes, in you, Jehovah)
In God I put my trust.
Why then should I be afraid?
What can mortals do to me?

I will fulfill my vows to you, O God.
I will make my thank offerings to you,
For you have rescued my body from death
And have prevented my feet from stumbling,
So I can may always walk in your presence,
O God, bathed in the light of the living.