[1] God, we have heard about you. Our ancestors told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. [2] With your power you forced the nations out of the land and placed our ancestors here. You destroyed those other nations, but you made our ancestors grow strong. [3] It wasn't their swords that took the land. It wasn't their power that gave them victory. But it was your great power and strength. You were with them because you loved them. [4] My God, you are my King. Your commands led Jacob's people to victory. [5] With your help we pushed back our enemies. In your name we trampled those who came against us. [6] I don't trust my bow to help me, and my sword can't save me. [7] You saved us from our foes, and you made our enemies ashamed. [8] We will praise God every day; we will praise your name forever. Selah [9] But you have rejected us and shamed us. You don't march with our armies anymore. [10] You let our enemies push us back, and those who hate us have taken our wealth. [11] You gave us away like sheep to be eaten and have scattered us among the nations. [12] You sold your people for nothing and made no profit on the sale. [13] You made us a joke to our neighbors; those around us laugh and make fun of us. [14] You made us a joke to the other nations; people shake their heads. [15] I am always in disgrace, and I am covered with shame. [16] My enemy is getting even with insults and curses. [17] All these things have happened to us, but we have not forgotten you or failed to keep our agreement with you. [18] Our hearts haven't turned away from you, and we haven't stopped following you. [19] But you crushed us in this place where wild dogs live, and you covered us with deep darkness. [20] If we had forgotten our God or lifted our hands in prayer to foreign gods, [21] God would have known, because he knows what is in our hearts. [22] But for you we are in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed. [23] Wake up, Lord! Why are you sleeping? Get up! Don't reject us forever. [24] Why do you hide from us? Have you forgotten our pain and troubles? [25] We have been pushed down into the dirt; we are flat on the ground. [26] Get up and help us. Because of your love, save us.
