They wandered through the wilderness on a desert road; they found no city in which to live.

You rescue me from a hostile army; you make me a leader of nations; people over whom I had no authority are now my subjects.

A psalm of Asaph. O God, foreigners have invaded your chosen land; they have polluted your holy temple and turned Jerusalem into a heap of ruins.

For the music director; according to the tune of “Lilies;” by the Korahites, a well-written poem, a love song. My heart is stirred by a beautiful song. I say, “I have composed this special song for the king; my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.”

For God is king of the whole earth! Sing a well-written song!

They return in the evening; they growl like a dog and prowl around outside the city.

Remember how the enemy hurls insults, O Lord, and how a foolish nation blasphemes your name!

A prayer of David. Listen O Lord! Answer me! For I am oppressed and needy.

A song of ascents. “Since my youth they have often attacked me,” let Israel say.

He established them so they would endure; he issued a decree that will not be revoked.

You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’”

No king is delivered by his vast army; a warrior is not saved by his great might.

A horse disappoints those who trust in it for victory; despite its great strength, it cannot deliver.

He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy palace.

I am like an owl in the wilderness; I am like a screech owl among the ruins.

Yes, in your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday that quickly passes, or like one of the divisions of the nighttime.

Listen to me! Quickly deliver me! Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe!

Our God approaches and is not silent; consuming fire goes ahead of him and all around him a storm rages.

You have given your loyal followers a rallying flag, so that they might seek safety from the bow. (Selah)

Yes, throughout all our days we experience your raging fury; the years of our lives pass quickly, like a sigh.