Psalm 38

Psalm 38

A psalm of David, asking God to remember him.

1 O LORD, don’t rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your rage!2 Your arrows have struck deep,
and your blows are crushing me.3 Because of your anger, my whole body is sick;
my health is broken because of my sins.4 My guilt overwhelms me—
it is a burden too heavy to bear.5 My wounds fester and stink
because of my foolish sins.6 I am bent over and racked with pain.
All day long I walk around filled with grief.7 A raging fever burns within me,
and my health is broken.8 I am exhausted and completely crushed.
My groans come from an anguished heart.9 You know what I long for, Lord;
you hear my every sigh.10 My heart beats wildly, my strength fails,
and I am going blind.11 My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease.
Even my own family stands at a distance.12 Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.
Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.
All day long they plan their treachery.13 But I am deaf to all their threats.
I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.14 I choose to hear nothing,
and I make no reply.15 For I am waiting for you, O LORD.
You must answer for me, O Lord my God.16 I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me
or rejoice at my downfall.”17 I am on the verge of collapse,
facing constant pain.18 But I confess my sins;
I am deeply sorry for what I have done.19 I have many aggressive enemies;
they hate me without reason.20 They repay me evil for good
and oppose me for pursuing good.21 Do not abandon me, O LORD.
Do not stand at a distance, my God.22 Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my savior.

PSALMS 38

A Prayer in Times //of Trouble

1 When you are angry, [Lord],
please don't punish me
or even correct me.

2 You shot me with your arrows,
and you struck me
with your hand.

3 My body hurts all over
because of your anger.
Even my bones are in pain,
and my sins

4 are so heavy
that I am crushed.

5 Because of my foolishness,
I am covered with sores
that stink and spread.

6 My body is twisted and bent,
and I groan all day long.

7 Fever has my back in flames,
and I hurt everywhere.

8 I am worn out and weak,
moaning and in distress.

9 You, Lord, know every one
of my deepest desires,
and my noisy groans
are no secret to you.

10 My heart is beating fast.
I feel weak all over,
and my eyes are red.

11 Because of my sickness,
no friends or neighbors
will come near me.

12 All who want me dead
set traps to catch me,
and those who want
to harm and destroy me
plan and plot all day.

13 I am not able to hear
or speak a word;

14 I am completely deaf
and can't make a sound.

15 I trust you, [Lord] God,
and you will do something.

16 I said, “Don't let them laugh
or brag when I slip and fall.”

17 I am about to collapse
from constant pain.

18 I told you my sins,
and I am sorry for them.

19 Many deadly and powerful
enemies hate me,

20 and they repay evil for good
because I try to do right.

21 You are the [Lord] God!
Stay nearby
and don't desert me.

22 You are the one who saves me.
Please hurry and help.