English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
1
Light, space, zest - that's God! So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.
2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
2
When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
3
When besieged, I'm calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool.
4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
4
I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
5
That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
6
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
7
Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: "Be good to me! Answer me!"
8 You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
8
When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!"
9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
9
Don't hide from me now! You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open.
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
10
My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
11
Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you're on.
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
12
Don't throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
13
I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
14
Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.