July 31, 2023

Psalms 40:1-17 (HCSB)
Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. 2 He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.  3 He 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 How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies! 5 Lord my God, You have done many things— Your wonderful works and Your plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told. 6 You do not delight in sacrifice and offering; You open my ears to listen. You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering. 7 Then I said, “See, I have come; it is written about me in the volume of the scroll.   8 I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me.” 9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; see, I do not keep my mouth closed— as You know, Lord. 10 I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about Your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal Your constant love and truth from the great assembly. 11 Lord, do not withhold Your compassion from me; Your constant love and truth will always guard me. 12 For troubles without number have surrounded me; my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage leaves me. 13 Lord, be pleased to deliver me; hurry to help me, Lord. 14 Let those who seek to take my life be disgraced and confounded. Let those who wish me harm be driven back and humiliated. 15 Let those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be horrified because of their shame. 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, “The Lord is great!” 17 I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me. You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.

Lee Murphy
There are many things in these verses, but what stands out to me is in the first three verses. This should make us feel good that if we are discouraged, and we cry out to God, He will answer and put our feet up on a rock. Also, we are reminded that God does think of us, and He wants a relationship with us.