5. They called to you for help and escaped their enemies. They trusted you and were not disappointed!
6. But I feel like a worm, less than human! People insult me and look down on me.
7. Everyone who sees me makes fun of me. They shake their heads and stick out their tongues at me.
8. They say, “Call to the Lord for help. Maybe he will save you. If he likes you so much, surely he will rescue you!”
9. God, the truth is, you are the one who brought me into this world. You made me feel safe while I was still at my mother’s breasts.
10. You have been my God since the day I was born. I was thrown into your arms as I came from my mother’s womb.
11. So don’t leave me! Trouble is near, and there is no one to help me.
12. My enemies surround me like angry bulls. They are like the powerful bulls of Bashan, and they are all around me.
13. Their mouths are opened wide, like a lion roaring and tearing at its prey.
14. My strength is gone, like water poured out on the ground. My bones have separated. My courage is gone.
15. My mouth is as dry as a piece of baked pottery. My tongue is sticking to the roof of my mouth. You have left me dying in the dust.
16. The “dogs” are all around me— a pack of evil people has trapped me. They have pierced my hands and feet.
17. I can see each one of my bones. My enemies are looking at me; they just keep staring.
18. They divide my clothes among themselves, and they throw lots for what I am wearing.
19. Lord, don’t leave me! You are my strength—hurry and help me!
20. Save me from the sword. Save my precious life from these dogs.
21. Rescue me from the lion’s mouth. Protect me from the horns of the bulls.
22. I will tell my people about you. I will praise you in the great assembly.