I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 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. 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. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 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. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened— burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
This psalm is one that is near and dear to my heart. I memorized the first part of it as a youth, and it carried me through many challenging days.
It starts with David saying that he waited patiently for the Lord and he heard his cry … and he acted! The Lord came to the rescue and lifted him out of the depths of despair. David is remembering the great rescue acts of God in his life. Life under God’s guidance requires a large amount of patience. I recently have learned a lot about being patient. And it is not always a fun lesson while learning it. But it is amazing in its working out.
He then goes on to describe the stability God brought to his life. God gave him a foundation on his truth and protection by following him. And he gave him joy in suffering — a new song to sing in his heart. God gives us the music to flow through the ups and downs of life with Joy!
David praises God for his mighty acts. He acknowledges that many will put their trust in him.
All of this is the beginning of a prayer for help in the end. If you read on you will find that David is in real trouble. His enemies surround him. But David has a disciplined approach in praying to God. He remembers his faithfulness, his power, his protection, and his greatness!
When I am troubled, do I take time to recount God’s faithfulness in detail? How about proclaiming his amazingly good qualities?
Lord, thank you for this model of David, a friend of God. May I approach you with rejoicing and gratitude each day. You are faithful!
