Psalm 3–4

Psalm 3

Trust in God under Adversity

A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.

¹O Lord, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

²many are saying to me,

“There is no help for you^b in God.”   Selah

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

my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.^*

⁴I cry aloud to the Lord,

and he answers me from his holy hill.   Selah^*

⁵I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.^*

⁶I am not afraid of ten thousands of people

who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷Rise up, O Lord!

Deliver me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;

you break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸Deliverance belongs to the Lord;

may your blessing be on your people!   Selah^*

Psalm 4

Confident Plea for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

¹Answer me when I call, O God of my right!

You gave me room when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.^*

²How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?

How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?   Selah^*

³But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.^*

⁴When you are disturbed,^c do not sin;

ponder it on your beds, and be silent.   Selah^*

⁵Offer right sacrifices,

and put your trust in the Lord.^*

⁶There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!

Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”^*

⁷You have put gladness in my heart

more than when their grain and wine abound.^*

⁸I will both lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.^*