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