Psalm 40

Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help

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.a

2He brought me up from a desolateA pit,

out of the muddy clay,a

and set my feet on a rock,

making my steps secure.b

3He 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

4How 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!a

5Lord 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.a

6You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;

you open my ears to listen.A

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

7Then I said, “See, I have come;

in the scroll it is written about me.a

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

and your instruction is deep within me.”b

9I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

see, I do not keep my mouth closedA —

as you know, Lord.a

10I 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.a

11Lord, you do notA withhold your compassion from me.

Your constant love and truth will always guard me.a

12For 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.a

13Lord, be pleased to rescue me;

hurry to help me, Lord.a

14Let those who intend to take my life

be disgraced and confounded.

Let those who wish me harm

be turned back and humiliated.a

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

be appalled because of their shame.a

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

let those who love your salvation continually say,

“The Lord is great! ”a

17I am oppressed and needy;

may the Lord think of me.

You are my helper and my deliverer;

my God, do not delay.a