Why Do You Stand So Far Away, O LORD?

Verse 1

Why do you stand so far away, O LORD? Why do you hide yourself in troubled times? In arrogance the wicked trap the poor; they catch the weak in schemes they have devised.

Verse 2

The wicked boast about their hearts' desires; the covetous renounce and spurn the LORD. In pride they see no need to seek for aid; in all their thoughts they say, "There is no God."

Verse 3

They prosper and in pride ignore your law; at all their foes they only puff in scorn. Within their hearts they think, "I am secure; throughout my life my happiness is sure."

Verse 4

Their mouths are filled with oaths and lies and threats; beneath their tongues are evil thoughts and deeds. They lie in ambush near the village street; the innocent they murder and defeat.

Verse 5

The helpless one is crushed and trampled down; another victim falls beneath their might. At heart they think, "God has forgotten this; he hides his face, so he will never see."

Verse 6

Arise, O LORD, lift up your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless and the poor. Why do the wicked proudly scoff at God and say, "He will not call me to account"?

Verse 7

O God, you note injustice and distress that you may take it all into your hands. The helpless ones commit themselves to you, for you give help to orphans and the poor.

Verse 8

O break the wicked evildoers' arm! Seek out the secret sin they try to hide. The LORD is King through all eternity; all sinful ones will perish from his land.

Verse 9

LORD, you will hear the longing of the meek; strengthen their hearts, incline your ear to them. You will defend the orphan and the poor that evil ones may terrify no more.