Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7It is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that shame has covered my face.
Verse 8I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my mother's children.
Verse 9It is zeal for your house that has consumed me; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Verse 10When I humbled my soul with fasting, they insulted me for doing so.[
Verse 11When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.
Verse 12I am the subject of gossip for those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.
Verse 13But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help
Verse 14rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.
Verse 15Do not let the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.]
Verse 16Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Verse 17Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress-make haste to answer me.
Verse 18Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies.
Devotion
The psalmist declares, “For your sake I have suffered reproach,” pointing to faithful suffering—pain that comes from devotion to God. Zeal for God’s house has not brought comfort, but misunderstanding, rejection, and even isolation. Sometimes our struggles come from our own mistakes, but at other times, like for the psalmist, faithfulness itself is costly.
The language is heavy—shame, scorn, and alienation—even from family and community. Many know this feeling when standing for truth or living out faith. Yet the psalm does not end in despair. In the midst of “deep waters,” the psalmist cries out in prayer, trusting that God hears and will act, even when God seems distant.
When faithfulness feels costly, this psalm invites us to name our pain honestly, to keep praying, and to trust in God’s presence. Even in suffering, God sees, God hears, and God answers in steadfast love—and Jesus himself has walked this path before us and knows what we are going through.
Prayer
Faithful God, for your sake, we sometimes bear reproach and feel alone. When trouble surrounds us, hear our prayers and draw near in your steadfast love. Rescue us and remind us we are never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.