39. We're still alive!We shouldn't complainwhen we are being punishedfor our sins.
40. Instead, we should thinkabout the way we are living,and turn back to the Lord.
41. When we lift our handsin prayer to God in heaven,we should offer him our heartsand say,
42. “We've sinned!We've rebelled against you,and you haven't forgiven us!
43. Anger is written all over you,as you pursue and slaughter uswithout showing pity.
44. You are behind a wall of cloudsthat blocks out our prayers.
45. You allowed nationsto treat us like rubbish;
46. our enemies curse us.
47. We are terrified and trapped,caught and crushed.”
48. My people are destroyed!Tears flood my eyes,
49. and they won't stop
50. until the Lord looks downfrom heaven and helps.
51. I am horrified when I seewhat enemies have doneto the young women of our city.
52. No one had reason to hate me,but I was hunted downlike a bird.
53. Then they tried to kill meby tossing me into a pitand throwing stones at me.
54. Water covered my head—I thought I was gone.
55. From the bottom of the pit,I prayed to you, Lord.