Psalm 40

Psalm 40

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the LORD.4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understandt—
you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.”9 I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O LORD, well know.10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness.11 LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.12 For troubles surround me—
too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
I have lost all courage.13 Please, LORD, rescue me!
Come quickly, LORD, and help me.14 May those who try to destroy me
be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
be turned back in disgrace.15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”16 But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!”17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior.
O my God, do not delay.

PSALMS 40

A Prayer for Help

1 I patiently waited, [Lord],
for you to hear my prayer.
You listened

2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
with my feet firm,

3 and you gave me a new song,
a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
you, the [Lord] God.

4 You bless all of those
who trust you, [Lord],
and refuse to worship idols
or follow false gods.

5 You, [Lord] God, have done
many wonderful things,
and you have planned
marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
all you have done.

6  t Sacrifices and offerings
are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
to listen and obey.

7 And so, I said, “I am here
to do what is written
about me in the book,
where it says,

8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
“Our [Lord] always helps!”

10 When all your people met,
I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our [Lord] is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
and he saves us.”

11 You, [Lord], never fail
to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
and I can't find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
and I feel weak.

13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
all who want to hurt me.

15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
“Just look at you now!”

16 Our [Lord], let your worshipers
rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
“The [Lord] is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, [Lord] God,
you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
Please hurry and help.