A Psalm from the Heart

O LORD, how long will you delay in keeping your promises?
How long will your servant continue to suffer?
I am encompassed about on all sides.
I am crushed by pressures I can not bear.
I am enslaved by those who would be my lord when you only are my LORD.

Am I being punished for sins of my past?
You, God, have forgiven me – have mercy and deliver me from my own folly!
Am I being purified by fire so that I may serve you more fully?
Then give me grace beyond measure for I perish in the process!
Am I being rained upon simply because the rain must fall?
Give me strength for I can no longer endure the storm!
Act now, O LORD, for your servant is weak.

Nevertheless, in all things, I will praise you.
You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory.
You control all things and direct their paths.
You make serpents crawl and donkeys speak.
You raise nations and then you raze nations.
You desire only good for your children.
Therefore, even in the storm, I will praise your name above all others.
For your sake and your glory I will suffer.
You are my LORD, You are my GOD.