Psalm 40

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

²He 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.

³He 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.

⁴Blessed is the one

who trusts in the Lord,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

⁵Many, 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.

⁶Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—

but my ears you have opened—

burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

⁷Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—

it is written about me in the scroll.

⁸I desire to do your will, my God;

your law is within my heart.”

⁹I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;

I do not seal my lips, Lord,

as you know.

¹⁰I 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.

¹¹Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;

may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

¹²For 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.

¹³Be pleased to save me, Lord;

come quickly, Lord, to help me.

¹⁴May all who want to take my life

be put to shame and confusion;

may all who desire my ruin

be turned back in disgrace.

¹⁵May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”

be appalled at their own shame.

¹⁶But 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!”

¹⁷But 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.