O Lord, I am beset by enemies.

Villains taunt me from all sides,

choking me with their stench of death,

their faces so close I can name them—

pride and self-glory,

envy and contempt,

stinging memories of humiliation,

burning anger and lust for revenge.

So many sins! I hide my face in shame.

Still these foes whisper, “Don’t expect your God to deliver you.

Your wickedness has driven God far away.”

But late at night when I am alone

and the dark whispers seem loudest,

I remember your faithfulness to me, O Lord.

You have ever been my shield and my defender.

Helpless and afraid, I cry out to you:

Lord Jesus! Rescue me from these demons!

Break their teeth and still their wagging tongues!

Because you are faithful

have mercy on your faithless servant.

From his seat in heaven my Lord hears me.

He sets his angels around my bed

and silences my foes with the truth of his love.

He settles me into peaceful sleep

and wakens me restored in the morning.

How blessed are your children, Lord,

who trust in your goodness

and wait for your deliverance.

Keep your face ever before me, O my God.

Let nothing cast its shadow over my love for you.

Let no one keep me from trusting your steadfast love for me.