I Yearn for Mercy Still

Psalm 31:9-16

Sarah Agnew and Andrew Wright 

 

I feel the weight of these years,

oh, God, years of pain and distress;

 

my eyes are swollen and dry of tears

now, my bones all emptied of sighs.

 

This sorrow drags me to the ground,

drains my muscles and sinews of strength:

 

I yearn for your mercy, though

what on earth can mercy bring me now?

 

I mock me, I shower me 

in scorn — am I so much like death to repulse?

 

I flee from me, forget me, or worse,

I plot to take my life.

 

I yearn for your mercy, with trust,

for you are the Holy One.

 

I am in your hand —

what can I do to me then?

 

Your face at last shines light for me,

and I am safe in your steadfast love.