Psalms 40

₁I waited patiently for the LORD's help;

then he listened to me and heard my cry.

₂He pulled me out of a dangerous pit,

out of the deadly quicksand.

He set me safely on a rock

and made me secure.

₃He taught me to sing a new song,

a song of praise to our God.

Many who see this will take warning

and will put their trust in the LORD.

₄Happy are those who trust the LORD,

who do not turn to idols

or join those who worship false gods.

₅You have done many things for us, O LORD our God;

there is no one like you!

You have made many wonderful plans for us.

I could never speak of them all —

their number is so great!

₆You do not want sacrifices and offerings;

you do not ask for animals burnt whole on the altar

or for sacrifices to take away sins.

Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,

₇and so I answered, “Here I am;

your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.

₈How I love to do your will, my God!

I keep your teaching in my heart.”

₉In the assembly of all your people, LORD,

I told the good news that you save us.

You know that I will never stop telling it.

₁₀I have not kept the news of salvation to myself;

I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help.

In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent

about your loyalty and constant love.

₁₁LORD, I know you will never stop being merciful to me.

Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

₁₂I am surrounded by many troubles —

too many to count!

My sins have caught up with me,

and I can no longer see;

they are more than the hairs of my head,

and I have lost my courage.

₁₃Save me, LORD! Help me now!

₁₄May those who try to kill me

be completely defeated and confused.

May those who are happy because of my troubles

be turned back and disgraced.

₁₅May those who jeer at me

be dismayed by their defeat.

₁₆May all who come to you

be glad and joyful.

May all who are thankful for your salvation

always say, “How great is the LORD!”

₁₇I am weak and poor, O Lord,

but you have not forgotten me.

You are my saviour and my God —

hurry to my aid!