Psalm 22:1-11

Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “A Deer at Dawn.”)

Suffering and Praise

¹^(A) My God, my God, why have you
    deserted me?
Why are you so far away?
Won't you listen to my groans
    and come to my rescue?
²I cry out day and night,
but you don't answer,
    and I can never rest.

³Yet you are the holy God,
ruling from your throne
    and praised by Israel.
⁴^(B) Our ancestors trusted you,
    and you rescued them.
⁵When they cried out for help,
    you saved them,
and you did not let them down
    when they depended on you.

⁶But I am merely a worm,
    far less than human,
and I am hated and rejected
    by people everywhere.
⁷^(C) Everyone who sees me
    makes fun and sneers.
They shake their heads,
⁸    ^(D) and say, “Trust the Lord!
If you are his favorite,
let him protect you
    and keep you safe.”

⁹You, Lord, brought me
    safely through birth,
and you protected me
when I was a baby
    at my mother's breast.
¹⁰From the day I was born,
    I have been in your care,
and from the time of my birth,
    you have been my God.