Psalm 40 (39)
The Bible tells me to do your will. The Letter to the Hebrews (10:5) places
on the lips of Jesus verses 7-9 which express his perfect obedience. May we
also be able to say: ˇ°Here I am!ˇ±
2 With resolve I waited for the Lord; he listened and heard me beg.
3 Out of the horrid pit he drew me, out of deadly quicksand. He settled my
feet upon a rock and made my steps steady.
4 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see
and be awed and put their trust in the Lord.
5 Blessed is the one who relies on the Lord and does not look to the proud
nor go astray after false gods.
6 How numerous, O Lord, are your wonderful deeds! In your marvelous plans
for us you are beyond compare! How many they are ¨C I cannot tell them or
count their number.
7 Sacrifice and oblation you did not desire; this you had me understand.
Burnt offering and sin offering you do not require.
8 Then I said, ˇ°Here I come! as the scroll says of me.
9 To do your will is my delight, O God, for your law is within my heart.ˇ±
10 In the great assembly I have proclaimed your saving help. My lips, O
Lord, I did not seal ¨C you know that very well.
11 I have not locked up in my heart your saving help, but have spoken about
it ¨C your deliverance and your faithfulness;
I have made no secret of your truth and of your kindness in the great
assembly.
12 Do not withhold from me, O Lord, your mercy; let your love and
faithfulness preserve me constantly.
13 For troubles beyond number have closed in on me; I am all covered by sins
and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and I am losing
courage.
14 May it please you, O Lord, to rescue me. Make haste, O Lord, to help me!
15 May those who seek my life be brought to shame and disgrace; may those
who want me destroyed be turned back in confusion.
16 May those who taunt me with, ˇ°Aha, aha!ˇ± be filled with shame and
consternation.
17 But may all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and may all
who love your saving grace continually say, ˇ°The Lord is great.ˇ±
18 Though I am afflicted and poor, yet the Lord thinks of me. You are my
help and my savior ¨C O Lord, do not delay!
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