Psalms

Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck;

I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground; I am out in deep water, and the waves are about to drown me.

I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help.

Those who hate me for no reason are more numerous than the hairs of my head. My enemies tell lies against me; they are strong and want to kill me. They made me give back things I did not steal.

My sins, O God, are not hidden from you; you know how foolish I have been.

Don't let me bring shame on those who trust in you, Sovereign LORD Almighty! Don't let me bring disgrace to those who worship you, O God of Israel!

It is for your sake that I have been insulted and that I am covered with shame.

I am like a stranger to my relatives, like a foreigner to my family.

My devotion to your Temple burns in me like a fire; the insults which are hurled at you fall on me.

I humble myself by fasting, and people insult me;

I dress myself in clothes of mourning, and they laugh at me.

They talk about me in the streets, and drunkards make up songs about me.

But as for me, I will pray to you, LORD; answer me, God, at a time you choose. Answer me because of your great love, because you keep your promise to save.

Save me from sinking in the mud; keep me safe from my enemies, safe from the deep water.

Don't let the flood come over me; don't let me drown in the depths or sink into the grave.

Answer me, LORD, in the goodness of your constant love; in your great compassion turn to me!

Don't hide yourself from your servant; I am in great trouble---answer me now!

Come to me and save me; rescue me from my enemies.

You know how I am insulted, how I am disgraced and dishonored; you see all my enemies.

Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I had hoped for sympathy, but there was none; for comfort, but I found none.

When I was hungry, they gave me poison; when I was thirsty, they offered me vinegar.

May their banquets cause their ruin; may their sacred feasts cause their downfall.

Strike them with blindness! Make their backs always weak!

Pour out your anger on them; let your indignation overtake them.

May their camps be left deserted; may no one be left alive in their tents.

They persecute those whom you have punished; they talk about the sufferings of those you have wounded.

Keep a record of all their sins; don't let them have any part in your salvation.

May their names be erased from the book of the living; may they not be included in the list of your people.

But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me!

I will praise God with a song; I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks.

This will please the LORD more than offering him cattle, more than sacrificing a full-grown bull.

When the oppressed see this, they will be glad; those who worship God will be encouraged.

The LORD listens to those in need and does not forget his people in prison.

Praise God, O heaven and earth, seas and all creatures in them.

He will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and possess the land;

the descendants of his servants will inherit it, and those who love him will live there.