The Depth of the Psalmist's Distress

Psalms 31:9-13

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.

For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.

Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.