Day 9: I Am Drowning | Psalm 69:1-3, 13-16

Save me, O God,
for the floodwaters are up to my neck. 
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; 
I can't find a foothold. 
I am in deep water, 
and the floods overwhelm me. 
I am exhausted from crying for help; 
my throat is parched. 
My eyes are swollen with weeping, 
waiting for my God to help me. 
But I keep praying to you, Lord, 
hoping this time you will show me favor. 
In your unfailing love, O God, 
answer my prayer with your sure salvation. 
Rescue me from the mud; 
don't let me sink any deeper! 
Save me from those who hate me, 
and pull me from these deep waters. 
Don't let the floods overwhelm me, 
or the deep waters swallow me, 
or the pit of death devour me.

[ Read the full psalm at Psalm 69 ]

David uses drowning imagery here — not metaphorically, but as someone who has been crying out for so long his throat is raw and his eyes are swollen. This is desperation that has gone on for a while. He doesn't stop praying. He just prays more desperately.

Pray for the thing you've been asking God about for a long time. Don't give it a spiritual gloss. Tell Him you're tired, you're still waiting, and you still need Him to move.