Psalms 31:9-24

Be gracious to me, LORD, because I am in distress;  my eyes are worn out from frustration — my whole being  as well.  Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning;  my strength has failed because of my iniquity,  and my bones waste away.  I am ridiculed by all my adversaries and even by my neighbors. I am dreaded by my acquaintances; those who see me in the street run from me.  I am forgotten: gone from memory like a dead person — like broken pottery.  I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side.  When they conspired against me, they plotted to take my life.  But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”  The course of my life is in your power;  rescue me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.  Make your face shine on your servant;  save me by your faithful love.  LORD, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you.  Let the wicked be disgraced; let them be quiet  , in Sheol.  Let lying lips  that arrogantly speak against the righteous in proud contempt be silenced.  How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you. In the presence of everyone  you have acted for those who take refuge in you.  You hide them in the protection of your presence;  you conceal them in a shelter from human schemes, from quarrelsome tongues.  Blessed be the LORD, for he has wondrously shown his faithful love to me in a city under siege.  In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight.”  But you heard the sound of my pleading when I cried to you for help.  Love the LORD, all his faithful ones.  The LORD protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.  Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,  all you who put your hope in the  LORD.