Psalm 69 - The Contemplative Bible Meditation Series

Psalm 69 is a psalm of deep need,

Longing and vulnerability,

A call from the heart to God in a time of distress.

In its verses,

We encounter a soul reaching out from a place of overwhelming challenge,

Seeking comfort and salvation.

As we reflect on this passage,

Let each verse become a pathway to understanding how,

Even in our most difficult times,

We can find peace,

Trust,

And strength in the Divine.

Psalm 69 Save me,

O God,

For the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in deep mire,

Where there is no standing.

I have come into deep waters,

Where the floods overflow me.

I am weary with my crying,

My troth is dry.

My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head.

They are mighty who would destroy me,

Being my enemies wrongfully,

Though I have stolen nothing,

I still must restore it.

O God,

You know my foolishness and my sins are not hidden from you.

Let not those who wait for you,

O Lord God of hosts,

Be ashamed because of me.

Let not those who seek you be confounded because of me,

O God of Israel.

Because for your sake I have borne reproach,

Shame has covered my face.

I have become a stranger to my brothers and an alien to my mother's children.

Because zeal for your house has eaten me up and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting,

That became my reproach.

I also made sackcloth my garment,

I became a byword to them.

Those who sit in the gate speak against me and I am the song of the drunkards.

But as for me,

My prayers to you,

O Lord in the acceptable time,

O Lord in the multitude of your mercy,

Hear me in the truth of your salvation.

Deliver me out of this mire and let me not sink.

Let me be delivered from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.

Let not the flood water overflow me nor let the deep swallow me up and let not the pit shut its mouth on me.

Hear me,

O Lord,

For your loving kindness is good.

Return to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies and do not hide your face from your servant,

For I am in trouble.

Hear me speedily.

Draw near to my soul and redeem it.

Deliver me because of my enemies.

You know my reproach,

My shame and my dishonor.

My adversaries are all before you.

Reproach has broken my heart and I am full of heaviness.

I looked for someone to take pity,

But there was none.

And for comforters,

But I found none.

They also gave me gall for my food and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Let their table become a snare before them and their well-being a trap.

Let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see and make their loins shake continually.

Pull out your indignation upon them and let your wrathful anger take hold of them.

Let their dwelling place be desolate.

Let no one live in their tents,

For they persecute the ones you have struck and talk of the grief of those you have wounded.

Add iniquity to their iniquity and let them not come into your righteousness.

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living and not be written with the righteous.

But I am poor and sorrowful.

Let your salvation,

O God,

Set me up on high.

I will praise the name of God with a song and I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull which has horns and hooves.

The humble shall see this and be glad,

And you who seek God,

Your hearts shall live.

For the Lord hears the poor and does not despise His prisoners.

Let heaven and earth praise Him,

The seas and everything that moves in them.

For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah,

That they may dwell there and possess it.

Also,

The descendants of His servants shall inherit it,

And those who love His name shall dwell in it.

Verse 1.

Save me,

O God,

For the waters have come up to my neck.

In times of struggle,

When life feels overwhelming,

We often feel as though we are sinking.

The psalmist please speaks to those moments when we are stretched to our limits and need help beyond ourselves.

Save me,

O God,

Becomes the simple,

Pure prayer of a heart in distress.

If you are feeling overwhelmed,

Allow yourself to admit it.

Reach out in humility,

Knowing that in asking for help,

You open a door for peace to enter.

Verse 2.

I sink in deep mire,

Where there is no standing.

I have come into deep waters,

Where the floods overflow me.

Mire and deep waters represent times when we feel trapped or helpless.

An experience we all know too well,

Of being weighed down by situations we cannot easily escape.

But acknowledging this feeling is a step towards freedom.

If you feel stuck,

Notice the tension in your body and mind.

Visualize releasing it,

Trusting that even in the deepest waters,

You are held,

You are cared for by a love greater than yourself.

Verse 3.

I am weary with my crying.

My troth is dry.

My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Exhaustion from crying,

Waiting and longing for answers.

This waiting is part of our human experience,

Though it is difficult and lonely.

In our weariness,

We can find peace by trusting that our needs are known and seen.

Take a deep breath and recognize the sacredness of waiting.

Allow yourself to rest,

Knowing that even in silence,

You are not forgotten.

Verse 4.

Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head.

They are mighty who would destroy me,

Being my enemies wrongfully.

Though I have stolen nothing,

I still must restore it.

The psalmist faces injustice and misunderstanding from others.

We too may be wronged,

Judged or face hostility.

This verse reminds us to stay true to ourselves and trust that our integrity is more important than others' opinions.

Think of any situations where you have felt misunderstood or unjustly judged.

Breathe out any lingering pain,

Releasing it to the divine and find peace in the troth of your heart.

Verse 5.

O God,

You know my foolishness and my sins are not hidden from you.

Acknowledging our faults before God is a humble act.

Here the psalmist offers his imperfections to the divine,

Recognizing that nothing is hidden from God's understanding and love.

Take a moment to let go of self-judgment.

Know that you are fully known and still fully loved.

Accept your imperfections as part of your human journey.

Verse 6.

Let not those who wait for you,

O Lord,

God of hosts,

Be ashamed because of me.

Let not those who seek you be confounded because of me,

O God of Israel.

In this verse the psalmist worries about being a stumbling block to others.

We too wish our lives to be uplifting to those around us that others may see hope and strength through our actions,

Through our lives,

Through our way of living.

Reflect on how you impact others.

Commit to being a source of support,

Kindness and strength,

Trusting that by living authentically you inspire others on their journey.

Because for your sake I have borne reproach,

Shame has covered my face.

When we commit to our values or beliefs,

We may sometimes experience rejection or ridicule.

The psalmist's experience of shame reminds us that these moments are sacred acts of faithfulness.

Try to recall any time in your life when you have felt ashamed for standing up for what you believe in,

For standing up for your beliefs.

Embrace the strength that it took you to do that and know that this too is a gift to the divine.

Verse 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers and an alien to my mother's children.

Many a times loved ones may not understand our journey and this can create feelings of isolation.

This can create a distance between us and them.

We are reminded that sometimes we may need to walk our own path even if it separates us from those closest to us.

Consider times when you felt separate or different from those you love.

Trust that your path is uniquely yours and that in honouring it,

You honour the divine within.

Verse 9 Because zeal for your house has eaten me up and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

The psalmist's deep commitment to God is a consuming fire that sometimes brings pain and reproach.

Our love and dedication may at times invite criticism or misunderstanding,

But it is also a testament to our values.

Let your love for truth and goodness be the fire that guides you.

Even in the face of challenge,

Let it strengthen your resolve.

Verse 10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting,

That became my reproach.

The psalmist's practices of fasting and chastening are misunderstood by others,

Showing us that our private acts of devotion may not always be valued by the world.

Consider any spiritual practices or inner commitments you have made.

Let go of any need for outward recognition,

Knowing that they hold value in your heart and your relationship with the divine.

Verse 11 I also made sackcloth my garment.

I became a byword to them.

The act of wearing sackcloth signifies humility and repentance,

But sometimes to others it becomes a source of mockery.

Even when others misunderstand,

Our sincere acts of faith have their own quiet dignity.

Have there been times in your life when your beliefs or actions were dismissed by others?

Trust in the sacredness of your intentions and allow this trust to bring you peace.

Verse 12 Those who sit in the gates speak against me and I am the song of drunkards.

Gossip and Mockery from Others This verse teaches us that others' words cannot diminish our inner truth.

In the face of ridicule,

We grow stronger by staying rooted in our own values.

If you have faced criticism,

Release it from your heart.

Trust in the wisdom of the divine to understand your true self beyond all outward judgment.

Verse 13 But as for me,

My prayer is you,

O Lord,

In the acceptable time.

O God,

In the multitude of your mercy,

Hear me in the truth of your salvation.

Despite everything that's happening,

The Samish turns to prayer,

Trusting in divine timing.

There is peace in surrendering our timeline and trusting that things unfold with purpose.

Breathe into this moment of trust.

Place your desires and worries in the hands of the divine,

Knowing that in perfect time,

The answers will come.

Verse 14 Deliver me out of the Maya and let me not sink.

Let me be delivered from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.

The Samish continues to seek deliverance,

Knowing that God is the source of true support.

When we are sinking,

We too can ask for strength,

Trusting that we will be lifted up.

If you feel burdened,

Take a deep breath and imagine a gentle light lifting you from these weights.

Allow your spirit to feel lighter.

Allow your spirit to feel supported.

Verse 15 Let not the flood water overflow me,

Nor let the deep swallow me up,

And let not the pit shut its mouth on me.

The Samish continues to seek deliverance and the imagery here expresses the fear of being consumed by life's difficulties.

And once again,

By voicing our fears,

We can find comfort in trusting that we will not be overcome.

If there is a current fear or worry on your mind,

Can you release it gently?

Can you visualize the divine's hand steadying you?

Can you trust that you are never alone?

Verse 16 Hear me,

O Lord,

For your loving-kindness is good.

Turn to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies.

The Samish appeals to God's loving-kindness.

He knows that God's nature is full of mercy.

And this simple,

This honest plea reminds us that we can always call upon divine compassion.

In any area of need,

Trust that the divine heart is open to you.

Rest in the comfort of mercy and loving-kindness that surrounds you.

Verses 17 and 18 And do not hide your face from your servant,

For I am in trouble.

Hear me speedily.

Draw near to my soul and redeem it.

Deliver me because of my enemies.

In distress,

The Samish longs for God's closeness.

When we are facing challenges,

We too yearn for the assurance.

Let us always be the minded to ask for this comfort.

Drawing near to my soul speaks of a deep personal relationship.

God is not distant,

But close and compassionate.

Bring your needs to the divine.

Feel the divine as close as your own breath,

Offering strength and comfort.

Let yourself ask for closeness,

The assurance,

Peace,

Knowing that these gifts are freely given.

And in doing this,

Feel the presence of peace.

Verse 19 You know my reproach,

My shame and my dishonor.

My adversities are all before you.

The Samish finds comfort in the fact that God knows every part of his suffering,

His shame,

His struggles and even his enemies.

Nothing is hidden from the divine and our vulnerability is fully understood.

Acknowledge any lingering pain from past shame or dishonor.

Rest in the understanding that God knows your heart and has seen every hidden struggle.

Let this bring a sense of relief and acceptance.

Verse 20 Reproach has broken my heart and I am full of heaviness.

I looked for someone to take pity but there was none and for comforters but I found none.

The deep sorrow of feeling abandoned.

Even by those who might offer comfort.

This verse resonates with anyone who has felt alone in their pain.

This verse is a reminder that many a times human comfort may fail.

God's love always remains.

If you have felt alone in your suffering,

Bring this feeling into the open.

Know that God's comfort is a steady presence,

Always there,

Always there to offer solace and understanding.

Verse 21 They also gave me gall for my food and for my thirst.

They gave me vinegar to drink.

Betrayal and bitterness.

A reflection of how sometimes people around us respond with cruelty instead of kindness.

At many times we may encounter bitterness where we hoped we will receive love.

If you've been treated unkindly,

Acknowledge this pain and release this pain.

Release this pain to the divine.

Trust that God's love,

God's understanding are like a healing balm for every wound.

Let go of bitterness and know that you are always deeply loved.

Verses 22 to 25 Let their table become a snare before them and their well-being a trap.

Let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see and make their loins shake continually.

Pour down your indignation upon them and let your wrathful anger take hold of them.

Let their dwelling place be desolate.

Let no one live in their tents.

The psalmist here prays for justice,

Asking that those who have wronged him face the consequences of their actions.

These verses remind us of our natural desire for fairness and balance,

Though we can trust God to handle justice.

If you have suffered at the hands of others,

Allow yourself to let go of the anger.

Surrender this anger to a higher justice.

Find freedom from carrying the weight of resentment.

Verses 26 to 28 For they persecute the ones you have struck and talk of the grief of those you have wounded.

Add iniquity to their iniquity and let them not come into your righteousness.

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living and not be written with the righteous.

These verses highlight the cruelty of adding to others suffering,

Especially those already hurting.

It reminds us to approach others with kindness,

Recognizing the unseen battles each person faces.

The psalmist goes further and prays that those who have done wrong face their actions full weight.

And this is a human yearning for justice,

But also reminds us,

Also shows us our need to trust divine wisdom in handling all situations.

Consider how you can show compassion to those around you.

Can you also release any desire to see others punished and trusting the outcome of others actions to divine wisdom.

Free yourself from the weight of this judgment.

Verse 29 But I am poor and sorrowful.

Let your salvation,

O God,

Set me up on high.

Amidst his sorrow.

The psalmist request is simple.

To simply be lifted up by God.

This verse shows us the power of humility and faith Even when we feel poor,

We can turn to God.

We can trust that God's love will elevate us.

In moments of sadness,

Picture God lifting you gently,

Setting you in a place of peace and strength.

And as you bring this image to mind,

Allow this image to comfort you knowing that you are cared for.

Verse 30 I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Despite everything,

The psalmist turns to praise.

This act of gratitude shifts his focus from suffering to divine goodness.

Praise,

Even in hard times,

Especially in hard times,

Is a powerful way to find joy.

Think of something you're grateful for.

No matter how big or no matter how small And let this gratitude lift your spirit.

Let it bring you closer to a place of peace,

Closer to a place of joy.

Verse 31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull which has horns or hooves.

A thankful heart A thankful heart is more pleasing to God than any material offering.

We are called to recognize that our sincere love,

That our sincere gratitude are sacred gifts.

Let us continue to offer our gratitude as a heartfelt gift.

Knowing that our inner praise is valuable.

Knowing that our inner praise is cherished by the divine.

Verse 32 The humble shall see this and be glad and you who seek God your hearts shall live.

Humility always brings a special joy.

Especially as those who seek God are promised renewed life.

This verse is simply a reminder that by seeking the divine we find vitality and peace.

Embrace humility and simplicity in your heart.

And as you seek the divine without and within feel your spirit come alive knowing that this journey brings you peace.

For the Lord hears the poor and does not despise his prisoners.

God hears the poor,

The humble,

Those who feel troubled.

God hears the poor,

The humble,

Those who feel trapped.

Our cries are never ignored.

We need to always remember that God's compassion is a source of solace.

Remind ourselves,

We need to remind ourselves that whenever we feel limited,

We should rest in the knowledge that our prayers are always heard.

And simply let this assurance bring us comfort and hope.

Verse 34 Let heaven and earth praise him,

The seas and everything that moves in them.

The psalmist calls upon all of creation to praise God.

Emphasizing the universal nature of divine love.

The world around us reflects God's beauty and inspires us to praise.

Take some time today to look around at the beauty of nature.

Even in the smallest of ways that you can.

And let this beauty inspire praise in your heart.

Joining in the great chorus of creation.

Verse 35 For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah,

That they may dwell there and possess it.

This verse speaks of restoration and hope for the future.

God promises to rebuild and renew.

Offering a vision of peace and security for his people.

What are the areas of your life that need restoration?

Can you trust that as long as you are doing the work,

As long as you are taking the action that needs to be taken,

These areas will be rebuilt and renewed?

Can you rest in the knowledge that your prayers are always heard?

In this knowing.

Verse 36 Also the descendants of his servants shall inherit it and those who love his name shall dwell in it.

The psalm ends with a promise of inheritance for those who love God.

This verse gives hope that those who walk faithfully,

Those who live in trust,

Will find a lasting place of belonging and joy.

Picture yourself as part of a long,

Faithful journey.

Know that your love and devotion create a legacy of peace and security.

Peace and joy for yourself and for those who come after.

A prayer alone remind me that you are near.

Let my life be a reflection of your goodness and may I always rest in the peace of your everlasting care.

Amen.