Bible Verses About Persecution

Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death.

For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.

I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.

They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs.

Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!

Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.

I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me— my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.

May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.

For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face.

I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons,

because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.

I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them.

Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards.

But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters.