1 To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalme of David on Michtam. When he fled from Saul in the cave. Have mercie vpon me, O God, haue mercie vpon me: for my soule trusteth in thee, and in the shadowe of thy wings wil I trust, till these afflictions ouerpasse. 2 I will call vnto the most high God, euen to the God, that performeth his promise toward me. 3 He will send from heauen, and saue me from the reproofe of him that would swallowe me. Selah. God wil send his mercy, and his trueth. 4 My soule is among lions: I lie among the children of men, that are set on fire: whose teeth are speares and arrowes, and their tongue a sharpe sworde. 5 Exalt thy selfe, O God, aboue the heauen, and let thy glory be vpon all the earth. 6 They haue layd a net for my steps: my soule is pressed downe: they haue digged a pit before me, and are fallen into the mids of it. Selah. 7 Mine heart is prepared, O God, mine heart is prepared: I will sing and giue prayse. 8 Awake my tongue, awake viole and harpe: I wil awake early. 9 I will prayse thee, O Lord, among the people, and I wil sing vnto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercie is great vnto the heauens, and thy trueth vnto the cloudes. 11 Exalt thy selfe, O God, aboue the heauens, and let thy glory be vpon all the earth.
(For the music leader. To the tune “Don't Destroy.” A special psalm by David when he was in the cave while running from Saul.)
Praise and Trust in Times of Trouble
1 God Most High, have pity on me!
Have mercy. I run to you
for safety.
In the shadow of your wings,
I seek protection
till danger dies down.
2 I pray to you, my protector.
3 You will send help from heaven
and save me,
but you will bring trouble
on my attackers.
You are faithful,
and you can be trusted.
4 My enemies are fierce,
much worse than lions!
They have spears and arrows
instead of teeth,
and they have sharp swords
instead of tongues.
5 May you, my God, be honored
above the heavens;
may your glory be seen
everywhere on earth.
6 Enemies set traps for my feet
and struck me down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but fell in it themselves.
7 I am faithful to you,
and you can trust me.
I will sing and play music
for you, my God.
8 I feel wide awake!
I will wake up my harp
and wake up the sun.
9 I will praise you, Lord,
for everyone to hear,
and I will sing hymns to you
in every nation.
10 Your love reaches higher
than the heavens;
your loyalty extends
beyond the clouds.
11 May you, my God, be honored
above the heavens;
may your glory be seen
everywhere on earth.