Psalm 69:1–21

¹God, save me.

My troubles are like a flood.

I’m up to my neck in them.

²I’m sinking in deep mud.

I have no firm place to stand.

I am out in deep water.

The waves roll over me.

³I’m worn out from calling for help.

My throat is very dry.

My eyes grow tired

looking for my God.

⁴Those who hate me without any reason

are more than the hairs on my head.

Many people who don’t have any reason to be my enemies

are trying to destroy me.

They force me to give back

what I didn’t steal.

⁵God, you know how foolish I’ve been.

My guilt is not hidden from you.

⁶Lord, you are the Lord who rules over all.

May those who put their hope in you not be dishonored because of me.

You are the God of Israel.

May those who worship you not be put to shame because of me.

⁷Because of you, people laugh at me.

My face is covered with shame.

⁸I’m a stranger to my brothers.

I’m an outsider to my own mother’s sons.

⁹My great love for your house destroys me.

Those who make fun of you make fun of me also.

¹⁰When I sob and go without eating,

they laugh at me.

¹¹When I put on black clothes to show how sad I am,

people make jokes about me.

¹²Those who gather in public places make fun of me.

Those who get drunk make up songs about me.

¹³But Lord, I pray to you.

May this be the time you show me your favor.

God, answer me because you love me so much.

Save me, as you always do.

¹⁴Save me from the trouble I’m in.

It’s like slippery mud. Don’t let me sink in it.

Save me from those who hate me.

Save me from the deep water I’m in.

¹⁵Don’t let the floods cover me.

Don’t let the deep water swallow me up.

Don’t let the grave close its mouth over me.

¹⁶Lord, answer me because your love is so good.

Turn to me because you are so kind.

¹⁷Don’t turn your face away from me.

Answer me quickly. I’m in trouble.

¹⁸Come near and save me.

Set me free from my enemies.

¹⁹You know how they make fun of me.

They dishonor me and put me to shame.

You know all about my enemies.

²⁰They have broken my heart by saying evil things about me.

It has left me helpless.

I looked for pity, but I didn’t find any.

I looked for someone to comfort me, but I didn’t find anyone.

²¹They put bitter spices in my food.

They gave me vinegar when I was thirsty.