It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land.

Protect me from the wicked men who attack me, my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.

He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain.

They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the Lord, but he does not answer them.

So I will give you thanks before the nations, O Lord! I will sing praises to you!

Your deliverance brings him great honor; you give him majestic splendor.

For you make them retreat when you shoot your arrows at them.

I have been dependent on you since birth; from the time I came out of my mother’s womb you have been my God.

They open their mouths to devour me like a roaring lion that rips its prey.

They are dividing up my clothes among themselves; they are rolling dice for my garments.

He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water.

The Lord is both kind and fair; that is why he teaches sinners the right way to live.

But I trust in you, O Lord! I declare, “You are my God!”

Smile on your servant! Deliver me because of your faithfulness!

I will instruct and teach you about how you should live. I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

May we experience your faithfulness, O Lord, for we wait for you.

They are ready to devour me; they say, “Aha! Aha! We’ve got you!”

Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.

Evil men will soon disappear; you will stare at the spot where they once were, but they will be gone.

But the oppressed will possess the land and enjoy great prosperity.