A Psalm of joy

1Rejoice in the LORD, O you who trust in Him; for praise from believers is fitting and proper. 2Sing praises to the LORD, with melodies on the harp; psaltery and a ten-string lyre. 3Sing unto Him a new joyful song; played skillfully on strings.

4For the word of the LORD is right, and all His works are done in truth. 5He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. 6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. 7He gathered the waters of the sea together; He laid up the depth in storehouses. 8Let all the earth fear (honor, respect, and revere) the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood firm. 10The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts their schemes. 11The counsel of the LORD will stand forever, the thoughts and plans of His heart to all generations. 12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His Own inheritance.

13The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all of mankind. 14From His dwelling place He observes all the inhabitants of the earth. 15He shapes the hearts of each; He considers all their works.

16No king is saved by the force of his army; nor is a mighty warrior saved by much strength. 17A horse, for all its strength, cannot ensure anyone safety. 18But the eye of the LORD is upon those who trust in Him, who hope in His mercy, 19To save their soul from death, and to sustain them in famine. 20Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.

22May Your steadfast mercy, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in You.