Psalms 38

1LORD, if you must rebuke me, let it not be in anger; if you discipline me, let it not be in fury. 2Your arrows have driven deep into me; your hand weighs down on me. 3Nothing in my body is healthy, because of your fury; nothing in my bones is whole, because of my sin. 4My sins have closed over my head; like a heavy load, they weigh more than I can bear. 5My sores are foul and rotting, all because of my own foolishness. 6I am bent over, bowed down completely; I spend the whole day going about in grief. 7A burning fever fills my sides, and nothing in my body is well. 8I have gone numb and am crushed to the core; my heart groans, and I cry out aloud. 9Lord, you see everything I long for; not one of my sighs escapes you. 10My heart races; my strength has deserted me; the light of my eyes, that too is gone. 11My friends and companions keep away from my sickness; even my own family stands at a distance. 12Those who want my life set traps; those who want to hurt me speak of destroying me and mutter lies all day long. 13But I act as if I were deaf and hear nothing, as if I were mute and could not open my mouth. 14I have turned into someone who hears nothing and has no answer to give. 15LORD, my hope is fixed on you; you are the one who will answer, Lord my God. 16For I said, “Do not let them enjoy my fall; when my foot slips, they lord it over me.” 17I am on the edge of collapse, and my pain never leaves my sight. 18I openly admit my guilt; my sin weighs on me with dread. 19Meanwhile my enemies are full of life and strength; many hate me for no good reason. 20Those who return evil for kindness act as my accusers, because I go after what is good. 21Do not abandon me, LORD; my God, do not stay far from me. 22Be quick to help me, Lord, my salvation.