Psalm 40

For Jehovah I waited patiently.
He turned to me and heard my plea for help.
He pulled me out of a desolate pit
Of muck and mire and set me on a rock;
He steadied me and sent me on my way,
Teaching me a new song of praise to our god.

Many will see and be in awe
And place their trust in Jehovah.
Blessed is he who makes Jehovah
The object of his faith and turns not
To the falsehoods of the arrogant.

Your miracles have multiplied,
As have your plans for our people.
They are too many to mention;
Indeed, none can compare with you.
I would proclaim your wondrous acts,
But they are more than one can count.

You craved not sacrifices and offerings;
You made me understand they were not required,
The burnt offerings and the sin offerings.

Then I announced, “Behold I have arrived!” --
As it is written of me in the scriptures.
I delight in doing your will, O my god,
For your law is written deep in my heart.
I have proclaimed to the congregation
The tidings of your justice, and, as you know,
I did not hold my tongue, O Jehovah.
I did not hide in my breast your righteousness:
I announced your faithfulness and salvation.
From the congregation I did not conceal
Your truth, your love and kindness and mercy.

O Jehovah, do not hold back from me,
Your mercy, for it is your faithful love
That will protect and preserve me forever.
For countless evils have encompassed me
And my sins have taken such hold of me
That I can no longer see my way clear.
They number more that the hairs on my head.
My heart and courage have forsaken me.

Please, then, Jehovah, deliver me,
Make haste, Jehovah, and help me!
May those who seek to take my life
Know shame and humiliation.
May those who wish to do me harm
Be put to disgraceful retreat.
Those who taunt me with “Aha, aha,”
May they be shocked by their own shame.

Let those who seek you out, rejoice
And be gladdened because of you.
Let those who love your salvation
Always say, “Great is Jehovah!”

As for me, I am poor and needy.
May Jehovah give thought to me.
You are my help and my savior,
May there be no delay, my god.