A cry of anguish - Psalms 22

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come. During the day I call you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest.

But you are enthroned as the Holy One, the one whom Israel praises.

Our ancestors put their trust in you; they trusted you, and you saved them.

They called to you and escaped from danger, they trusted you and were not

disappointed.

But I am no longer a human being; I am a worm, despised and scorned by everyone!

All who see me jeer at me; they stick out their tongues and shake their heads.

"You relied on the Lord, " they say, "Why doesn't he save you? If the Lord likes you, why doesn't help?"

It was you who brought me safely through birth, and when I was baby , you kept me safe. I have relied on you since the day I was born, and you have always been my God.

Do not stay away from me! Trouble is near, and there is no one to help.

Many enemies surround me like bulls, and they are around me, like fierce bulls from the land of Bashan. They open their mouths like lions, roaring and tearing at me.

My strength is gone, gone like water spilt on the ground. All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax. My throat as dry as dust, ad my tongue sticks to the roof my mouth. You have left me for dead in the dust...

Source: Good News Bible - Today's English Version, Bible Society of South Africa.