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From the Pit to the Pinnacle of Praise

Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV): "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. 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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

Waiting for God to help us is not easy. David knew this full well. David waited patiently for the Lord. We can be sure God is aware of our need. Nothing escapes God's view nor takes Him by surprise. We may think He doesn't care, but He is there. God sees us when we are in the pit.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." When we’re sinking, God is seeking. The Shepherd seeks His wandering sheep.

But God awaits the call of all sinking ones. He will answer and lift you up…right on time! God sets our feet on the solid Rock and brings purpose to our lives. Psalms 27:5: "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."

When we've been saved, God gives us a song. He will put a new song in our mouths.

It is not a sorrowful song, but it is a song of praise.
It is praise for answered prayer.
It is praise for being lifted out of the horrible pit.
It is praise for escaping the miry clay.
It is praise for being set on the solid Rock.
It is praise for a new life built on the promises of God.

When we start praising, people start praying. Praising saints make praying sinners. Praise proves the reality of our faith. Praise demonstrates the power of God's love and grace. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Those in pits of miry clay long to be lifted to safety. They want something solid on which to build their lives. They long to place their feet on the solid Rock. Praise can be a very effective witness! Pouting Christians are poor representatives of their Lord. Praising Christians are missionaries wherever they go.

Have you been lifted from the pit of sin? Have you been taken out of the pit of despair? Has Jesus filled your heart with songs of joy? Then prepare to welcome others into the fellowship of praise.

But if you are still sinking in a pit…will you let God take you from the pit to the pinnacle of praise?

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