A new song of redemption - 11 February 2025
Ruanne van Zyl
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He 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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God ...” Psalm 40:1-3a, NIV
Psalm 40 is a testimony of God’s redemptive power and faithfulness. David recounts his personal experience of helplessness and how God intervened to save him. This psalm reminds us that the Lord is a God who listens, who acts and who places our feet on a solid foundation when we trust him in faith.
David begins by saying that he “waited patiently for the Lord”. This “waiting” is not a passive attitude, but rather an act of faith. This indicates a persistent trust, even when there seems to be no solution. Just as David leaned on the Lord in his darkest moments, we can also know that God is never deaf to our cries for help.
The description of God lifting David out of the “slimy pit” is a beautiful picture of salvation. It reminds us of the ways God also saves us from situations in which we feel trapped – whether it is sin, sadness or external circumstances. When he pulls us out of our “pit”, he places us on a solid rock, and gives us new direction and stability.
Psalm 40:3 says: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” David’s response to God’s salvation is praise. This praise is not just for himself – it also brings others to faith. When we share our testimony, we show people the power and grace of God.
May Psalm 40 inspire you to wait on the Lord, trust in his faithfulness and offer your praise to him as a new song. Even in difficult times, we can know that God will pull us up and give us new hope.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me from the dark pits of life and setting my feet on solid ground. May my life be a new song of praise that leads others to you. Amen