[1] I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! [2] When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. [3] I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude [4] You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! [5] I think of the good old days, long since ended, [6] when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. [7] Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? [8] Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? [9] Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? Interlude [10] And I said, "This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me." [11] But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. [12] They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. [13] O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? [14] You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. [15] By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Interlude [16] When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. [17] The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. [18] Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. [19] Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters- a pathway no one knew was there! [20] You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.
