The Best and Worst 
of Times

¹ David spoke the words of this song to the LORD after the LORD delivered him from the power of all his enemies and from Saul. ² He said: The LORD is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. ³ My God is my rock—I take refuge in him! he’s my shield and my salvation’s strength, my place of safety and my shelter. My savior! Save me from violence! ⁴ Because he is praiseworthy, I cried out to the LORD, and I was saved from my enemies. ⁵ Death’s waves were all around me; rivers of wickedness terrified me. ⁶ The cords of the grave surrounded me; death’s traps held me tight. ⁷ In my distress I cried out to the LORD; I cried out to my God. God heard my voice from his temple; my cry for help reached his ears.