Psalm 40: 2-3 “He…pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet upon a rock and established my steps. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
I have only a few early childhood memories, but there is one that stands out over time. Our family had moved out of the city’s brick apartments to a suburban neighborhood where new homes were built daily. It was here I first learned that I was more of a “country girl” than a city person. As a preschooler, I loved the space to play and experience the fragrances of the earth that surrounded us. Beyond the back yard lay a large muddy field with rich, dark soil awaiting a new home construction and beckoning me to a perfect kitchen for “mud pies.” But my parents’ boundaries were set in the back yard only, for my own good and safety.
One time I was finally allowed to accompany my father in walking across the muddy field. My short legs were outfitted with knee high mud boots as I followed behind, carefully navigating my way through the deep clay soil. Suddenly my feet became entrenched in the sinking, slimy muck. My father, unaware, trudged on ahead, as I stood struggling, unable to move and fearing I would fall. In a panic, I called out and raised my arms to him. Immediately he turned back with a word of reassurance. His rock-solid arms took hold of mine and lifted me right out of my boots, which stayed mired in the mud. Through the tears I laughed with my Dad at the sight of those lonely boots, stuck there for good, as he held me securely and lovingly carried me to safety.
This illustration comes back to me each time I remember how my Father God has lifted me out of the many miry circumstances of my life. There was a time in my life where my earthly father and I were estranged before we found peace with each other. After many years of lifting my heart in prayer and calling out to God, I realized that God was doing the work that needed to be done in my heart and in my father’s. Estrangement will never happen with our heavenly Father. Even today, my choices sometimes place me where I am entrenched in the mire of sin. When I repent and call out to God, He lovingly sees me and lifts me to the Rock where I am secure in Him. He promises that when we draw near to Him, we will experience His safe and sure love as His rock-solid arms hold us. He will lift us up, calm our fears, and show us a better way.
The psalmist says He will “establish my steps and put a new song in my mouth.” He has done this over and over for me, because He is faithful and His love is never ending. Scripture says that when this happens “Many who see this will put their trust in the Lord.” If this is your story, no matter what your “miry clay” looks like today, know that God sees you and is there to lift you above your circumstances. Put your trust in Him and know that He is faithful. Then you will have a new song to sing and to share with others who need that reassurance of His love and faithfulness.
Thank you Lord, that you are a Father who will never abandon me, that you are my protector, the lover of my soul, and eternally faithful even when I am not. I praise you for all that you are and all that you do to show me who you are. Help me to trust you and remember always all that you have saved me from. There is none like you!