Study Desk

You have put my friends far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them. I am shut up and I cannot go out.

I was afflicted and close to death from my youth on; I suffer Your terrors; I am overcome.

But my horn [my emblem of strength and power] You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil [for Your service].

I am like a [mournful] vulture of the wilderness; I am like a [desolate] owl of the wasteland.

I am sleepless and lie awake [mourning], I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop.

In return for my love, they attack me, But I am in prayer.

For I am suffering and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.

I am vanishing like a shadow when it lengthens and fades; I am shaken off like the locust.

I believed [and clung to my God] when I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid; You have unfastened my chains.

I am a stranger on the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me.

I am a companion of all who [reverently] fear You, And of those who keep and honor Your precepts.

I am Yours, save me [as Your own]; For I have [diligently] sought Your precepts and required them [as my greatest need].

I am greatly afflicted; Renew and revive me [giving me life], O LORD, according to Your word.

My flesh trembles in [reverent] fear of You, And I am afraid and in awe of Your judgments.

I am Your servant; give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] That I may know Your testimonies.

I am small and despised, But I do not forget Your precepts.

I am for peace, but when I speak, They are for war.

I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.