Psalm 38

Abraham Coles

2 Thine arrows are sunk deep;
There's nothing in me whole;
3 There is no soundness in my flesh,
No comfort in my soul.

4 I sink, weighed down by sins
That heavier are than lead.
In whelming waters whose loud waves
Are roaring o'er my head.

5 My stripes are festering wounds;
6 My agony is great;
I with unceasing tears bewail
My sorrowful estate:

7 There's burning in my loins;
8 I am benumbed and bruised;
I cry out from disquietude
That's everywhere diffused.

9 My longing is not hid;
To Thee each sigh and groan,
10 My fluttering heart, my failing eyes,
My feebleness, are known.

11 My lovers and my friends,
My kinsmen stand aloof;
12 My foes weave hateful calumnies,
Most false in warp and woof.

13 But I've been deaf and dumb,
14 Like one that did not hear;
15 For Thee I waited, O my God!
My character to clear.

16 They will, I said, exult.
If I commit a fault —
If slips my foot, and well I know
17 I ready am to halt.

18 My grief I kept in mind —
How guilty I have been;
I will my guiltiness declare.
Be sorry for my sin.

19 But many are my foes,
They deadly are and strong;
20 Evil for good they render me.
For kindness do me wrong.

21 Forsake me not, O Lord!
Be never far away;
22 Make haste to help me, O my God!
Thy saving power display.