Psalms 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and he paid attention to me and listened to my plea.

2 He brought me up from a pit of misery and from muddy clay. He set my feet upon a rock and directed my steps.

3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God. Many will see, fear, and trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man whose hope is the Lord’s name and who did not look to futile things and false frenzies.

5 Lord my God, you did many things—your wonderful works. No one can be compared with you in your thoughts. I proclaimed and spoke about them, but they were too many to count.

6 You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared ears for me. You did not ask for a whole burnt offering or an offering for sin.

7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. In the scroll of the book it is written about me.

8 I desired to do your will, my God, and your law is deep inside me.”

9 I announced good news of righteousness in a great assembly. Look, I will not restrain my lips; Lord, you know.

10 I did not hide your righteousness in my heart. I spoke of your truth and rescue; I did not hide your mercy and truth from a large gathering.

11 But you, Lord, do not keep your compassion far from me; your mercy and truth continually supported me.

12 Evils beyond number surrounded me. My acts of lawlessness seized me, and I could not see. They became more numerous than the hairs of my head, and my heart abandoned me.

13 Be pleased to rescue me, Lord; Lord, pay attention and help me.

14 Let those who seek my life to take it away be ashamed and disgraced together. Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced.

15 Let those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” immediately receive their shame.

16 Let all who seek you, Lord, celebrate and rejoice in you. Let those who love your rescue always say, “May the Lord be magnified!”

17 But I am poor and needy; the Lord will care for me. You are my helper and defender; my God, do not delay.