Psalm 3–4

Psalm 3

CONFIDENCE IN TROUBLED TIMES

A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.z

1 Lord, how my foes increase!

There are many who attack me.aa

2 Many say about me,

“There is no help for him in God.”ab

Selah

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,ac

my glory,ad and the one who lifts up my head.ae

4 I cry aloud to the Lord,

and he answers me from his holy mountain.af

Selah

5 I lie down and sleep;

I wake again because the Lord sustains me.ag

6 I will not be afraid of thousands of people

who have taken their stand against me on every side.a

7 Rise up, Lord!b

Save me, my God!

You strike all my enemies on the cheek;c

you break the teeth of the wicked.d

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;e

may your blessing be on your people.f

Selah

Psalm 4

A NIGHT PRAYER

For the choir director: with stringed instruments.g A psalm of David.

1 Answer me when I call,

God, who vindicates me.C,h

You freed me from affliction;i

be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

2 How long, exalted ones,D will my honor be insulted?j

How long will you love what is worthlessk

and pursue a lie?

Selah

3 Know that the Lord has set apart

the faithful for himself;

the Lord will hear when I call to him.

4 Be angryE and do not sin;l

reflect in your heart while on your bed and be silent.m

Selah

5 Offer sacrifices in righteousnessF,n

and trust in the Lord.o

6 Many are asking, “Who can show us anything good?”

Let the light of your face shine on us, Lord.p

7 You have put more joy in my heart

than they have when their grain and new wine abound.q

8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace,r

for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.s