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Psalm 40:1-5  
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

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.

What do you do when the results of your sin deliver you into a “slimy pit”? Where do you go for relief from “the mud and mire” of self-inflicted wounds? While the specifics of this psalm are not known; we do know that David was desperate for rescue.

Sometimes our arrogance or ignorance causes us to conclude that God can’t deliver us from self-inflicted sin. We hear God saying, “You made your bed; now lie in it.” But God is not the one that causes those words to rattle in our heads.  Even when our backs are turned on Him, He turns to us. Even when we distance ourselves, He still hears our cry for help. Our Father responds to the needs of His children.

He lifts us out of sin’s slippery places and puts us on a rock of forgiveness and restoration so that we can stand firm. He replaces our cries for help with a “hymn of praise”. Sin may damage our reputation but God will work in our lives to cause onlookers to “see” what He has done, “fear” His mighty power, and “put their trust in him.” Wait patiently for the Lord. Help is on the way!

Lord, thank You for coming to my aid even when I cry out to You from the pit of sin-inflicted situations. Thank You for forgiveness and restoration. Thank You for firm footing that allows me to return to the journey of obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.