Psalm 38

1. A psalm of David, asking God to remember him. 1 1 O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger 1 or discipline me in your rage!

2. Your arrows have struck deep, 2 and your blows are crushing me.

3. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; 3 my health is broken because of my sins.

4. My guilt overwhelms me— 4 it is a burden too heavy to bear.

5. My wounds fester and stink 5 because of my foolish sins.

6. I am bent over and racked with pain. 6 All day long I walk around filled with grief.

7. A raging fever burns within me, 7 and my health is broken.

8. I am exhausted and completely crushed. 8 My groans come from an anguished heart.

9. You know what I long for, Lord; 9 you hear my every sigh.

10. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, 10 and I am going blind.

11. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. 11 Even my own family stands at a distance.

12. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. 12 Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. 12 All day long they plan their treachery.

13. But I am deaf to all their threats. 13 I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.

14. I choose to hear nothing, 14 and I make no reply.

15. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. 15 You must answer for me, O Lord my God.

16. I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me 16 or rejoice at my downfall.”

17. I am on the verge of collapse, 17 facing constant pain.

18. But I confess my sins; 18 I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

19. I have many aggressive enemies; 19 they hate me without reason.

20. They repay me evil for good 20 and oppose me for pursuing good.

21. Do not abandon me, O Lord. 21 Do not stand at a distance, my God.

22. Come quickly to help me, 22 O Lord my savior.