Good people suffer many troubles, but the LORD saves them from them all;

LORD, how happy are those you instruct, the ones to whom you teach your law!

Month after month I have nothing to live for; night after night brings me grief.

When I lie down to sleep, the hours drag; I toss all night and long for dawn.

You inspect them every morning and test them every minute.

Is it right for you to be so cruel? To despise what you yourself have made? And then to smile on the schemes of wicked people?

You always have some witness against me; your anger toward me grows and grows; you always plan some new attack.

Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won't they heal? Do you intend to disappoint me like a stream that goes dry in the summer?"

"Of all the nations on earth, you are the only one I have known and cared for. That is what makes your sins so terrible, and that is why I must punish you for them."

Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? "My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.

Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer.