1Be merciful to me, my God,

for my enemies are in hot pursuit;

all day long they press their attack.

2My adversaries pursue me all day long;

in their pride many are attacking me.

3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

5All day long they twist my words;

all their schemes are for my ruin.

6They conspire, they lurk,

they watch my steps,

hoping to take my life.

7Because of their wickedness do not ^c let them escape;

in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

8Record my misery;

list my tears on your scroll ^d —

are they not in your record?

9Then my enemies will turn back

when I call for help.

By this I will know that God is for me.

10In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can man do to me?

12I am under vows to you, my God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

13For you have delivered me from death

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.