Psalm 40:1-17 VOICE

[1] I waited a long time for the Eternal; He finally knelt down to hear me. He listened to my weak and whispered cry. [2] He reached down and drew me from the deep, dark hole where I was stranded, mired in the muck and clay. With a gentle hand, He pulled me out To set me down safely on a warm rock; He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again. [3] As if that were not enough, because of Him my mind is clearing up. Now I have a new song to sing- a song of praise to the One who saved me. Because of what He's done, many people will see and come to trust in the Eternal. [4] Surely those who trust the Eternal- who don't trust in proud, powerful people Or in people who care little for reality, chasing false gods- surely they are happy, as I have become. [5] You have done so many wonderful things, had so many tender thoughts toward us, Eternal my God, that go on and on, ever increasing. Who can compare with You? [6] Sacrifices and offerings are not what You want, but You've opened my ears, and now I understand. Burnt offerings and sin offerings are not what please You. [7] So I said, "See, I have come to do Your will, as it is inscribed of me in the scroll. [8] I am pleased to live how You want, my God. Your law is etched into my heart and my soul." [9] I have encouraged Your people with the message of righteousness, in Your great assembly (look and see), I haven't kept quiet about these things; You know this, Eternal One. [10] I have not kept Your righteousness to myself, sealed up in the secret places of my heart; instead, I boldly tell others how You save and how loyal You are. I haven't been shy to talk about Your love, nor have I been afraid to tell Your truth before the great assembly of Your people. [11] Please, Eternal One, don't hold back Your kind ways from me. I need Your strong love and truth to stand watch over me and keep me from harm. [12] Right now I can't see because I am surrounded by troubles; my sins and shortcomings have caught up to me, so I am swimming in darkness. Like the hairs on my head, there are too many to count, so my heart deserts me. [13] O Eternal One, please rescue me. O Eternal One, hurry; I need Your help. [14] May those who are trying to destroy me be humiliated and ashamed instead; May those who want to ruin my reputation be cut off and embarrassed. [15] May those who try to catch me off guard, those who look at me and say, "Aha, we've trapped you," be caught in their own shame instead. [16] But may all who look for You discover true joy and happiness in You; May those who cherish how You save them always say, "O Eternal One, You are great and are first in our hearts." [17] Meanwhile, I am empty and need so much, but I know the Lord is thinking of me. You are my help; only You can save me, my True God. Please hurry.