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Illustration for Psalm 40: I Waited Patiently

Psalm 40

I Waited Patiently

GratitudeComfort

David waited and waited for God — and God heard him! God pulled him out of a muddy pit and gave him solid ground to stand on. This psalm reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when we have to wait.

  1. 1I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
  2. 2He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the muddy mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
  3. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
  4. 4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust and does not look to the proud or to those who turn aside to false gods.
  5. 5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and Your plans for us— none can compare with You; were I to proclaim and declare them, they would be too numerous to count.
  6. 6Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened; burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
  7. 7Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.
  8. 8To do Your will, O my God, is my desire; Your law is within my heart."
  9. 9I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as You know, O LORD.
  10. 10I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your loving devotion and Your truth from the great assembly.
  11. 11Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; may Your loving devotion and Your truth always protect me.
  12. 12For troubles without number have surrounded me; my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.
  13. 13Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; come quickly, LORD, to help me.
  14. 14May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
  15. 15May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.
  16. 16But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be exalted!"
  17. 17Though I am poor and needy, may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

What it means

Waiting patiently for God is never wasted. He lifts us out of the slimy pit, sets our feet on solid rock, and puts a brand-new song in our mouths. Then we want to do what He asks.

A little prayer

Lord, I'll wait patiently for You. Thank You for lifting me out of the pit, setting my feet on a rock, and giving me a new song. I want to do what You want. Amen.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)