Hymn of Praise

“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 put their trust in the LORD.”  ~Psalms 40:1-3 HCSB

The psalmist has hit rock bottom.  He is stuck in a pit and can’t move in the muddy clay.  He has struggled until he is out of breath, out of strength, out of hope.  It is at this point he cries out for help and the Lord hears him.  The Lord lifts him out of his situation and places feet on a rock.  With place to stand the Lord puts a new song in his mouth, a hymn of praise.  The psalmist will tell everyone of the glory of the Lord.  Everyone he see’s will hear about how God rescued him from the pit!  

If you have ever had to watched a child or raised a child? The time when you turn to listen for a sound is when it gets quiet.  This is how I see God.  You have been in the pit and you have just about given up.  You have stopped fighting, you are exhausted and you just want help.  It is at that moment God turns to hear us, when we are quiet and in need.  He takes us out of our pits and places our feet in a safe place, a place where we can stand up with confidence.  By doing so we are so gracious we sing.  We sing praise to our Lord, because no one could have rescued us—only He could.  Everyone who comes within listening distance will hear our song and will believe and trust in the Lord!   

Lord help us!  Help us when we find ourselves in the impossible situation.  Help us when we find ourselves exhausted by life.  Lord life us out of our mess and place our feet on Christ, who is the Rock.  Lord forgive us where we fall short and place a new song in our mouths!  A hymn of praise to you and let the whole world hear our voice!  Amen.