Saturday, June 29, 2013

Psalm 40:1-13
1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
    he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
    Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
    who trusts in the Lord,
    who does not look to the proud,
    to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
    None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
    but my ears you have opened—
    burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
    your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great
    assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know. 

 10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving 
    help. I do not conceal your love and your
    faithfulness from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
    may your love and faithfulness always
    protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
    my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
    They are more than the hairs of my head,
    and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, Lord;
    come quickly, Lord, to help me.

Reflection
In verse 2, the psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s help in a slimy and muddy situation. What has God done in your life to help you out of the mud and set your feet on solid ground? Express  gratitude in praise to a God who is trustworthy.