Psalms 69:1-21

1Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck.

2Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.

3I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.

4Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

5O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you.

6Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.

7For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face.

8Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me; they treat me like a stranger.

9Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

10When I weep and fast, they scoff at me.

11When I dress in burlap to show sorrow, they make fun of me.

12I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me.

13But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

14Rescue me from the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters.

15Don’t let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me.

16Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful.

17Don’t hide from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!

18Come and redeem me; free me from my enemies.

19You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace. You see all that my enemies are doing.

20Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.

21But instead, they give me poison for food; they offer me sour wine for my thirst.