Psalm 40

Psalm of David for the Director of Music.

I waited patiently for the Lord;    

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,    

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock    

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,    

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the Lord    

and put their trust in him.

Blessed is the one    

who trusts in the Lord,

who does not look to the proud,    

to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, Lord my God,    

are the wonders you have done,    

the things you planned for us.

None can compare with you;    

were I to speak and tell of your deeds,    

they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire —    

but my ears you have opened —    

burnt offerings and sin offerings

you did not require.

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—    

it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, my God;    

your law is within my heart.”

I proclaim your saving acts

in the great assembly;    

I do not seal my lips, Lord,    

as you know.

I do not hide your righteousness

in my heart;    

I speak of your faithfulness

and your saving help.

I do not conceal your love

and your faithfulness    

from the great assembly.

Do not withhold your mercy

from me, Lord;    

may your love and faithfulness

always protect me.

For troubles without number

surround me;    

my sins have overtaken me,

and I cannot see.

They are more than the

hairs of my head,    

and my heart fails within me.

Be pleased to save me, Lord;    

come quickly, Lord, to help me.

May all who want to take my life    

be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin    

be turned back in disgrace.

May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”    

be appalled at their own shame.

But may all who seek you    

rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who long for

your saving help always say,    

“The Lord is great!”

But as for me, I am poor and needy;    

may the Lord think of me.

You are my help and my deliverer;    

you are my God, do not delay.