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 and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3
Heavenly Father, my heart goes out today to those whose feet are in the mud and mire of various slimy pits—friends and strangers whose weariness is growing and whose patience is growing thin. Longs lines, red tape, looming decisions, limited resources, short fuses… Breath, O breath of God, send the winds of heaven and bring encouragement, wisdom and strength… for today and for the many days ahead.
Father, I pray both for those needing a lift from “the pit” and for the lifters… for those needing help and for the helpers… for the ones crying out to you and for the ones you are sending as an answer to those cries. Everybody needs you and what you alone can give.
You’ve never commanded anything without supplying the grace to obey your commands, and you’ve never made a single vain or empty promise. So when you command us not to become weary in doing good and when you promise us a guaranteed harvest at the proper time (Galatians 6:9), I take you at your Word. I will wait patiently for you, Lord… patiently… expectantly… and ever-so-gratefully.
Bring great glory to yourself, Father, cause many to see and to put their trust in you as you continue to write multiplied stories of redemption and restoration in the midst of difficult situations and hard providences. I’m not asking you to make the mud and the mire go away, just make the Rock—Jesus, more evident and beautiful to all. Cause our feet to stand upon, Jesus, the only firm foundation… in this life and the life to come… in times of great adversity… in times of great prosperity… and in all the in-between times.
Fill our hearts and mouths with the new song of the gospel—hymns of praise to you, our loving and faithful Father. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and triumphant name.
