(A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “A Deer at Dawn”.)

Suffering and praise

1My God, my God, why have you22.1: Mt 27.46; Mk 15.34.

deserted me?

Why are you so far away?

Won't you listen to my groans

and come to my rescue?

2I cry out day and night,

but you don't answer,

and I can never rest.

3Yet you are the holy God,

ruling from your throne

and praised by Israel.

4Our ancestors trusted you,

and you rescued them.

5When they cried out for help,

you saved them,

and you did not let them down

when they depended on you.

6But I am merely a worm,

far less than human,

and I am hated and rejected

by people everywhere.

7Everyone who sees me22.7: Mt 27.39; Mk 15.29; Lk 23.35.

makes fun and sneers.

They shake their heads,

8and say, “Trust the LORD!22.8: Mt 27.43.

If you are his favourite,

let him protect you

and keep you safe.”

9You, LORD, brought me

safely through birth,

and you protected me

when I was a baby

at my mother's breast.

10From the day I was born,

I have been in your care,

and from the time of my birth,

you have been my God.

11Don't stay far off

when I am in trouble

with no one to help me.

12Enemies are all around

like a herd of wild bulls.

Powerful bulls from Bashan22.12 Bashan: A land east of the River Jordan, where there were pastures suitable for raising fine cattle.

are everywhere.

13My enemies are like lions

roaring and attacking

with jaws open wide.

14I have no more strength

than a few drops of water.

All my bones are out of joint;

my heart is like melted wax.

15My strength has dried up

like a broken clay pot,

and my tongue sticks

to the roof of my mouth.

You, God, have left me

to die in the dust.

16Brutal enemies attack me

like a pack of dogs,

tearing at22.16 tearing at: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text. my hands

and my feet.

17I can count all my bones,

and my enemies just stare

and sneer at me.

18They took my clothes22.18: Mt 27.35; Mk 15.24; Lk 23.34; Jn 19.24.

and gambled for them.

19Don't stay far away, LORD!

My strength comes from you,

so hurry and help.

20Rescue me from enemy swords

and save me from those dogs.

21Don't let lions eat me.

You rescued me from the horns

of wild bulls,

22and when your people meet,22.22: He 2.12.

I will praise you, LORD.

23All who worship the LORD,

now praise him!

You belong to Jacob's family

and to the people of Israel,

so fear and honour the LORD!

24The LORD doesn't hate

or despise the helpless

in all their troubles.

When I cried out, he listened

and did not turn away.

25When your people meet,

you will fill my heart

with your praises, LORD,

and everyone will see me

keep my promises to you.

26The poor will eat and be full,

and all who worship you

will be thankful

and live in hope.

27Everyone on this earth

will remember you, LORD.

People all over the world

will turn and worship you,

28because you are in control,

the ruler of all nations.

29All who are rich

and have more than enough

will bow down to you, Lord.

Even those who are dying

and almost in the grave

will come and bow down.

30In the future, everyone

will worship and learn

about you, our Lord.

31People not yet born

will be told,

“The Lord has saved us!”