Read Psalm 69:6-18

Read Psalm 69:6-18

Lord, the Lord Almighty,

may those who hope in you

not be disgraced because of me;

God of Israel,

may those who seek you

not be put to shame because of me.

For I endure scorn for your sake,

and shame covers my face.

I am a foreigner to my own family,

a stranger to my own mother's children;

for zeal for your house consumes me,

and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

When I weep and fast,

I must endure scorn;

when I put on sackcloth,

people make sport of me.

Those who sit at the gate mock me,

and I am the song of the drunkards.

But I pray to you, Lord,

in the time of your favor;

in your great love, O God,

answer me with your sure salvation.

Rescue me from the mire,

do not let me sink;

deliver me from those who hate me,

from the deep waters.

Do not let the floodwaters engulf me

or the depths swallow me up

or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;

in your great mercy turn to me.

Do not hide your face from your servant;

answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

Come near and rescue me;

deliver me because of my foes.

Reflect

This passage is divided into three stanzas, the groups of verses separated by a space. How does the writer's attitude shift from one stanza to the next? Have you ever seen a similar shift in your attitude toward God in a situation?

Respond

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.