Praise and Assurance under Persecution

To the leader: Do Not Destroy. Of David. A Miktam, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

1Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,

for in you my soul takes refuge;

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,

until the destroying storms pass by.

2I cry to God Most High,

to God who fulfils his purpose for me.

3He will send from heaven and save me,

he will put to shame those who trample on me. Selah

God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

4I lie down among lions

that greedily devour57.4 Cn: Heb are aflame for human prey;

their teeth are spears and arrows,

their tongues sharp swords.

5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

Let your glory be over all the earth.

6They set a net for my steps;

my soul was bowed down.

They dug a pit in my path,

but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah

7My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast.

I will sing and make melody.

8Awake, my soul!

Awake, O harp and lyre!

I will awake the dawn.

9I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;

your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

Let your glory be over all the earth.