Finding Hope in the Pit - iBelieve Truth - June 6, 2024

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)

Have you ever found yourself in a pit? It might not be a literal pit, but it could be a pit of despair, sin, discouragement, or shame. Whatever form it takes, we can all relate to the feeling of being trapped and helpless.  

In Psalm 40, the psalmist David describes his own rescue from helplessness: 

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)

Life in the pit is challenging. David paints a vivid picture of this place—a pit filled with miry clay, where our feet are stuck, and progress seems impossible. We're trapped, sinking deeper into the muck with every struggle. Have you ever felt that way? Stuck in the same patterns, the same sins, with no way out in sight? 

Not only are we stuck, but the pit is also a place of instability. It's slippery and uncertain, leaving us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. And worst of all, in the pit, all we can see is dirt and darkness. We lose sight of hope and feel utterly helpless. 

So, what do we do when we find ourselves in the pit? David shows us the way. He cried out to the Lord and waited patiently for Him. And what did God do? He lifted David out of the pit, set his feet upon a rock, and established his steps. God gave David a firm foundation and a way forward. 

The same God who rescued David from the pit is here for us today. When we turn to Him and trust in His love, grace, and power, He lifts us out of the pit and gives us a song of praise to sing. God will never leave us, no matter what we face or how poorly we may be struggling. So, when life feels like it's in the pit, let's turn to God and trust in His promises.  

As we reflect on Psalm 40, let's consider three key lessons that it teaches us about finding hope in the pit: 

1. Patience and Trust: David waited patiently for the Lord, knowing that God hears our cries. When we're in the pit, it's easy to become impatient and lose hope. But God works in His perfect timing, and as we wait on Him, He will lift us up and set us on solid ground. Trusting in God's timing and provision is key to finding hope in the pit. 

2. Prayer and Dependence: David didn't try to escape the pit on his own strength. Instead, he cried out to the Lord for help. Prayer is our lifeline in the pit. When we pour out our hearts to God and depend on Him, He responds with His unfailing love and power. In our weakness, He is strong, and through prayer, we find the strength to endure and overcome. 

3. Praise and Gratitude: Even in the midst of the pit, David praised God for His deliverance. He recognized that God is worthy of praise, no matter our circumstances. When we choose to praise God in the pit, our perspective shifts from despair to hope. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive God's blessings and reinforces our trust in His goodness. 

Maybe today you need to pray a prayer like this: 

Dear God, I feel stuck in a deep, dark pit. I'm sinking in the mud, and I'm losing hope. But today, I choose to look to You and trust in You, Jesus. I believe that You hear my prayer and that You will deliver me, working all my struggles for Your good and Your glory. I choose to praise You today because I know that my deliverance is coming. Thank You, Jesus, for being my Rock and my Deliverer. In Your matchless name, amen. 

When you find yourself in the pit, remember David's words: "I waited patiently for the Lord." Cry out to God, trust in His love and power, and praise Him for His faithfulness. He will lift you out of the pit and set your feet on solid ground. 

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Dr. Jeff Schreve is Pastor of First Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas, and the founder of From His Heart Ministries. He is a passionate communicator of the Scriptures whose love for the Lord and love for people comes out in every sermon he preaches. He can be heard hosting American Family Radio’s “Real Truth for Today” and Pray.com’s “Weekly Wisdom with Jeff Schreve,” from which this piece is taken.

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