The LORD protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.

My Sovereign LORD, my strong defender, you have protected me in battle.

The LORD is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will sing about his greatness.

But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.

"They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace.

I will make my people strong; they will worship and obey me." The LORD has spoken.

Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.

I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble.

"Will the Lord always reject us? Will he never again be pleased with us?

The LORD will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him.

And to Solomon he said, "My son, I charge you to acknowledge your father's God and to serve him with an undivided heart and a willing mind. He knows all our thoughts and desires. If you go to him, he will accept you; but if you turn away from him, he will abandon you forever.

To God, my defender, I say, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go on suffering from the cruelty of my enemies?"