Written in RedSample

"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." - Psalm 40:2, NIV

David, one of the most famous figures in the Old Testament, authored this psalm. And when we read one of the opening lines, it makes sense why he did! It’s thought that David wrote this psalm during one of his exiles in the wilderness. In other words, he wrote these words while on the run, hiding out, totally alone, and completely unsure of what was to come in his life. It would’ve been understandable if David wrote prayers for help, pleas for rescue, or even words of anger at his circumstances. But here, at least, that’s not where David’s heart was. His heart was praising the Lord for meeting his needs. He knew that God was the One who would heal, rescue, and restore, and he was thanking God for being willing to do just that. He was celebrating God’s good work in his life even amid a major challenge.

It’s an example we can follow for ourselves too! Rather than focus our hearts only on what we think God hasn’t done, why not focus our hearts on all God has done? On how God has lifted us up, given us a steady place to stand, and rescued us from the pit? Because He has! Work on memorizing this verse this week. Say it to yourself daily to kick off each day with the right mindset and shift your eyes to think about all God has done for you.