Defend Me, Lord

Lyrics

Intro
Rise, take up my cause;
stand with me against those who rise against me.

Verse 1
You see the hands that set the snare,
the hidden teeth, the crooked claim.
Let their own nets entangle them;
let truth call each deceit by name.
I did not seek their ruin;
I grieved when they were brought down.
I wore their sorrow like a cloak,
though they turned their faces round.

Chorus
Defend me, Lord—be near, be strong.
Let falsehood lose its hold on me.
Who is like You, who lifts the weak
from those who take what they cannot see?
Defend me, Lord—hear my plea.
Let justice stand where lies have been.

Verse 2
They gathered close and spoke of peace,
then sharpened words behind my back.
They mocked the steps I took in faith
and watched for every crack.
But You have seen; do not be still.
Wake, rise, and answer what You know.
Judge by Your righteousness;
do not let their triumph grow.

Chorus
Defend me, Lord—be near, be strong.
Let falsehood lose its hold on me.
Who is like You, who lifts the weak
from those who take what they cannot see?
Defend me, Lord—hear my plea.
Let justice stand where lies have been.

Bridge
Let not the ones who hate me say,
“We swallowed him; the day is ours.”
You weigh the witness and the deed;
You see beyond the gathered crowds.
My tongue will tell of what You do;
my whole day will declare Your praise.

Final Chorus
Defend me, Lord—be near, be strong.
Let falsehood lose its hold on me.
Who is like You, who lifts the weak
from those who take what they cannot see?
Defend me, Lord—hear my plea.
Let justice stand where lies have been.

Outro
Judge me in Your righteousness.
Let truth remain.