Psalms 18:21-50

For I have obeyed the LORD’s commands; I have not rebelled against my God. For I am aware of all his regulations, and I do not reject his rules. I was innocent before him, and kept myself from sinning. The LORD rewarded me for my godly deeds; he took notice of my blameless behavior. You prove to be loyal to one who is faithful; you prove to be trustworthy to one who is innocent. You prove to be reliable to one who is blameless, but you prove to be deceptive to one who is perverse. For you deliver oppressed people, but you bring down those who have a proud look. Indeed, you are my lamp, LORD. My God illuminates the darkness around me. Indeed, with your help I can charge against an army; by my God’s power I can jump over a wall. The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the LORD’s promise is reliable; he is a shield to all who take shelter in him. Indeed, who is God besides the LORD? Who is a protector besides our God? The one true God gives me strength; he removes the obstacles in my way. He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend even the strongest bow. You give me your protective shield; your right hand supports me; your willingness to help enables me to prevail. You widen my path; my feet do not slip. I chase my enemies and catch them; I do not turn back until I wipe them out. I beat them to death; they fall at my feet. You give me strength for battle; you make my foes kneel before me. You make my enemies retreat; I destroy those who hate me. They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the LORD, but he does not answer them. I grind them as fine windblown dust; I beat them underfoot like clay in the streets. You rescue me from a hostile army; you make me a leader of nations; people over whom I had no authority are now my subjects. When they hear of my exploits, they submit to me. Foreigners are powerless before me; foreigners lose their courage; they shake with fear as they leave their strongholds. The LORD is alive! My protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king! The one true God completely vindicates me; he makes nations submit to me. He delivers me from my enemies; you snatch me away from those who attack me; you rescue me from violent men. So I will give you thanks before the nations, O LORD! I will sing praises to you! He gives his chosen king magnificent victories; he is faithful to his chosen ruler, to David and his descendants forever.”