Read | Psalm 40:1–17
For the choir director. A psalm of David.
I waited patiently for the LORD,
and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.
He brought me up from a desolate pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and they will trust in the LORD.
How happy is anyone
who has put his trust in the LORD
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies!
LORD my God, you have done many things—
your wondrous 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.
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.
Then I said, “See, I have come;
in the scroll it is written about me.
I delight to do your will, my God,
and your instruction is deep within me.”
I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
see, I do not keep my mouth closed—
as you know, LORD.
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.
LORD, you do not withhold your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me.
For troubles without number have surrounded me;
my iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my courage leaves me.
LORD, be pleased to rescue me;
hurry to help me, LORD.
Let those who intend to take my life
be disgraced and confounded.
Let those who wish me harm
be turned back and humiliated.
Let those who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
be appalled because of their shame.
Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
let those who love your salvation continually say,
“The LORD is great!”
I am oppressed and needy;
may the LORD think of me.
You are my helper and my deliverer;
my God, do not delay.
Click here to listen to the Scripture in ESV.
How does David praise the Lord for deliverance in this psalm? How is that similar to or different from your own prayers of thanking God for saving you?
Focus
Read this story of experiencing God from a congregant in our church, Beth Caffrey (Leawood Campus). How does it encourage and challenge you to notice God, and see how his word is present in your life?
Pray
Craft a prayer based on today’s Scripture passage, and the congregant’s story. Consider rereading the Scripture passage while using pen and paper to write out your own thoughts and prayers inspired by God’s words.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.