Psalm 40:1-10

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

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.[b]

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[c]—

    burnt offerings and sin offerings[d] you did not require.

7 

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—

    it is written about me in the scroll.[e]

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.

Reflect.

Verses 1-3 of this psalm describe the process of God’s delivering someone by degrees out of a pit to a bog to solid rock to singing. Think back to a time when you needed significant change in your life. By what steps did God bring about change?

Response

Imagine being stuck in a pit that you could not climb out of on your own. Have you ever been in a similar situation? How did God help you? Whom did God send to help you?

Response

In What ways do you think people who are addicted are stuck in a pit from which escape is difficult? Who do you know who struggles with addiction? What resources are available in your community to help people with addictions?

Response

In What ways do you praise God for the “deliverance” that you have experienced in your life? How is your faith evident to those who know you? If you think it is not evident, Why not?

Rest.

Think about the positive changes in your life over the last five years. How was God active in bringing about those changes? How did God support you in making changes?

Pray a breath prayer.

For a breath prayer until your next time of reflection, consider praying, “Dear God, thank you for freedom.”

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