(A special psalm by David for the music leader. Use with stringed instruments.)
Betrayed by a Friend
1Listen, God, to my prayer!
Don't reject my request.
2Please listen and help me.
My thoughts are troubled,
and I keep groaning
3because my enemies attack
with loud shouts.
They treat me terribly
and hold angry grudges.
4My heart is racing fast,
and I am afraid of dying.
5I am trembling with fear,
completely terrified.
6I wish I had wings
like a dove,
so I could fly far away
and be at peace.
7I would go and live
in some distant desert.
8I would quickly find shelter
from howling winds
and raging storms.
9Confuse my enemies, Lord!
Upset their plans.
Cruelty and violence
are all I see in the city,
10and they are like guards
on patrol day and night.
The city is full of trouble,
evil, 11and corruption.
Troublemakers and liars
freely roam the streets.
12My enemies are not the ones
who sneer and make fun.
I could put up with that
or even hide from them.
13But it was my closest friend,
the one I trusted most.
14We enjoyed being together,
when we went with others
to your house, our God.
15All who hate me are controlled
by the power of evil.
Sentence them to death
and send them down alive
to the world of the dead.
16I ask for your help, Lord God,
and you will keep me safe.
17Morning, noon, and night
you hear my concerns
and my complaints.
18I am attacked from all sides,
but you will rescue me
unharmed by the battle.
19You have always ruled,
and you will hear me.
You will defeat my enemies
because they won't turn
and worship you.
20My friend turned against me
and broke his promise.
21His words were smoother
than butter, and softer
than olive oil.
But hatred filled his heart,
and he was ready to attack
with a sword.
22Our Lord, we belong to you.
We tell you what worries us,
and you won't let us fall.
23But what about those people
who are cruel and brutal?
You will throw them down
into the deepest pit
long before their time.
I trust you, Lord!