Psalm 3

Paul Shuart, 1982

1. O LORD, my enemies rise up to conquer me;
   They shower me with taunting.
   From every side they say that God has gone away
   While troubles still are mounting.
   But God is still my shield: He helps me on the field;
   God gives me back my glory.
   All through the long dark night my God takes up the fight,
   Holds back my foes before me.
   
2. When I cry out to pray, God hears each word I say;
   He answers from his mountain.
   I rest and go to sleep and rise, for God will keep
   His own in his protection.
   Why should I ever fear the thousands who appear
   With evil to surround me?
   Why should I be afraid when God is still my aid
   To conquer those around me?
   
3. Arise, O God, arise! I know you hear my cries,
   For all my foes are flying.
   Deliver me, O LORD; give them their sure reward
   For all their fierce defying.
   You strike those on the cheek who war against the meek,
   With hate and hurt oppressing.
   The godless are destroyed; your help alone has stood.
   O grant us, LORD, your blessing.