Psalm 40

Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1   I waited patiently for the LORD,

and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. x

2   He brought me up from a desolate U pit,

out of the muddy clay, y

and set my feet on a rock,

making my steps secure. z

3   He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God. a

Many will see and fear,

and they will trust in the LORD. b

4   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! c

5   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. d

6   You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;

you open my ears to listen. V

You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering. e

7   Then I said, “See, I have come;

in the scroll it is written about me. f

8   I delight to do your will, my God, g

and your instruction is deep within me.” h

9   I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

see, I do not keep my mouth closed W—

as you know, LORD. i

10   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. j

11   LORD, you do not X withhold your compassion from me.

Your constant love and truth will always guard me. k

12   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. l

13   LORD, be pleased to rescue me;

hurry to help me, LORD. m

14   Let those who intend to take my life

be disgraced and confounded.

Let those who wish me harm

be turned back and humiliated. n

15   Let those who say to me, “Aha, aha! ”

be appalled because of their shame. o

16   Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;

let those who love your salvation continually say,

“The LORD is great! ” p

17   I am oppressed and needy;

may the Lord think of me.

You are my helper and my deliverer;

my God, do not delay. q