Reading: Psalm 40:1-11

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods.

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

Then I said, “Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.

I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.

Reflection

We all have days, seasons, when we, like the Psalmist, feel like we are stuck in a miry bog, in a desolate pit. Physical illness, mental health, financial hardships, relationship issues. All of these can weigh heavily on us and make us feel like we are stuck in a hole that we cannot, on our own, climb out of.

If you find yourself in that place, there are a multitude of resources to help you. You should absolutely seek counseling and reach out for help. You should also talk to God. We too, may need to wait patiently, but rest assured that he does hear our cries. He sees us and is with us, even in the miry bog.

–Erin Hayes

Prayer

Lord, there are days when I feel as though I am stuck in a pit and cannot climb out on my own. Be with me, Lord, and set my feet on solid ground again. Lord, be with my neighbors who are struggling today, and help me to be a light to them.

Amen.