(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
The LORD is always near
1You have looked deep
into my heart, LORD,
and you know-all about me.
2You know when I am resting
or when I am working,
and from heaven
you discover my thoughts.
3You notice everything I do
and everywhere I go.
4Before I even speak a word,
you know what I will say,
5and with your powerful arm
you protect me
from every side.
6I can't understand all this!
Such wonderful knowledge
is far above me.
7Where could I go to escape
from your Spirit
or from your sight?
8If I were to climb up
to the highest heavens,
you would be there.
If I were to dig down
to the world of the dead
you would also be there.
9Suppose I had wings
like the dawning day
and flew across the ocean.
10Even then your powerful arm
would guide and protect me.
11Or suppose I said, “I'll hide
in the dark until night comes
to cover me over.”
12But you see in the dark
because daylight and dark
are all the same to you.
13You are the one
who put me together
inside my mother's body,
14and I praise you because of
the wonderful way
you created me.
Everything you do is marvellous!
Of this I have no doubt.
15Nothing about me
is hidden from you!
I was secretly woven together
deep in the earth below,
16but with your own eyes you saw
my body being formed.
Even before I was born,
you had written in your book
everything I would do.
17Your thoughts are far beyond
my understanding,
much more than I
could ever imagine.
18I try to count your thoughts,
but they outnumber the grains
of sand on the beach.
And when I awake,
I will find you nearby.
19How I wish that you would kill
all cruel and heartless people
and protect me from them!
20They are always rebelling
and speaking evil of you.
21You know I hate anyone
who hates you, LORD,
and refuses to obey.
22They are my enemies too,
and I truly hate them.
23Look deep into my heart, God,
and find out everything
I am thinking.
24Don't let me follow evil ways,
but lead me in the way
that time has proved true.
