Psalm 3

Dewey Westra, 1931

1. O LORD, how swiftly grows
   The number of my foes
   Who wantonly oppress me!
   Yes, multiplied are they
   That rise to my dismay,
   And day by day distress me.
   Though heavy my despair,
   They scornfully declare
   To my humiliation,
   That Thou, O God, no more
   Canst help me as before
   Or come to my salvation.
   
2. But Thou, LORD, always art
   A shield about my heart,
   My hope and sure reliance.
   Thou, in the hour of dread,
   Dost lift my weary head,
   And biddest them defiance.
   Whene’er to God I cried,
   He hastened to my side
   In all my tribulations;
   From Zion’s mountain fair
   He looked on my despair
   And heard my supplications.
   
3. When I lay down, I slept;
   I woke, for I was kept
   In His divine protection.
   The LORD was at my side,
   My safety He supplied,
   Whatever my affliction.
   Defended by His hand,
   I shall undaunted stand
   While thousands surge about me;
   Though furious foemen wage
   Their war with mighty rage,
   I know they shall not rout me.
   
4. Arise and save me, LORD,
   For Thou hast smitten hard
   The jaws of them that hate me;
   Yes, Thou didst fiercely break
   For me Thy servant’s sake
   The teeth of the ungodly.
   I shall not suffer long,
   For my salvation strong
   Thou, O my LORD, providest.
   Thy people all will rest
   By Thee so richly blest,
   Since Thou with them abidest.