He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:2-3)
I have long believed that David’s words might not only be ascribed to his personal situation but also evoke images of Israel’s plight and subsequent deliverance from Egypt. Under the glaring eye of their taskmasters, Israel labored endlessly in the miry clay and mud pits of Egypt. God brought them up from the pit of bondage, led them through the sea bed and brought them to the Rock of Horeb. There at Sinai, He appeared and presented His covenant and the commands which established the way that they were to walk as a nation. It should also be noted that when He appeared, the people were awestruck and filled with Godly fear.
It would seem that David connected with the trials and struggles of his ancestors as well as the jubilation that comes with deliverance and salvation. As Israel emerged from the sea bed, Moses led the congregation in a song of celebration; Miriam and the women began to dance and rejoice over the destruction of those who sought to destroy them. Likewise, David continually chronicled in song the many instances when God delivered him from those who sought his death and demise. Yes, there were times when he cried out in his discouragement but he always managed to express an undying trust that the Lord would come through in the end.
How many of us can relate to this scenario? There have certainly been times when I felt stuck in what seemed to be a hopeless situation. I can relate to the notion of being in a pit that I cannot climb out of only to see the Lord lift me from it. I would imagine that all of us can relate to certain aspects of David and Israel’s journey. In fact, that is a point David made in the verses above — “many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord.” Because we know that He delivered Israel, we know He will deliver us. Because we believe that, by the grace and mercy of God, David prevailed over his enemies. we will do likewise. He has planted our feet upon a Rock that is sure, and if we remain steadfast and continue standing on that Rock, not even the gates of Hell will prevail against us.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments