My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come.

During the day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest.

When I did not confess my sins, I was worn out from crying all day long.

Instead of eating, I mourn, and I can never stop groaning.

I go about in gloom, without any sunshine; I stand up in public and plead for help.

We are frightened and distressed. We long for God to save us from oppression and wrong, but nothing happens.