Psalms 38

The third of the Penitential Psalms, expressing deep anguish over sin and its consequences. David is severely afflicted by God's wrath, feeling that his sin has become a heavy burden too great to bear. His body is diseased, and his friends and neighbors avoid him. David is reduced to silent pleading, recognizing that he can only put his hope and trust in the Lord. David concludes with an urgent prayer: "Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"