Joy and delight

I waited, waited for the LORD; who bent down and heard my cry, drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp, set my feet upon rock, steadied my steps, and put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God.

Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud, who turn not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood.

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
 Now that you have made me willing to listen [given me ears open to obedience], I finally understand —
 you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.


And so, I said, “Here I am.
 As is written about me in the Scriptures:
 ‘To do your will, O my God, is my delight. Your teachings are within my heart!’”

I have told the whole community of those who worship you that what you do is right. Lord, you know that I haven’t kept quiet. I have spoken about how faithful you were when you saved me. I haven’t hidden your love and truth. You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me and keep me secure.

Psalm 40:1-11 - photo taken by p. fogg in israel 2007