Psalm 40

For the Director of Music. Of David. A Psalm.

1I waited and waited for the LORD,
  and the LORD leaned toward me
  and heard my cry. 2The LORD brought me up from the pit of roaring,
  out of the mud and mire,
  and set my feet on a rock,
  making my steps secure. 3The LORD put a new song in my mouth,
  a song of praise to our God.
  Many will see and fear,
  and will trust in the LORD. 4Happy is the one who makes the LORD their trust,
  who does not turn to the proud,
  nor to those who swerve into falsehood. 5Many things you have done, O LORD my God—
  your wonders and your purposes for us;
  none can compare with you.
  If I would declare and speak of them,
  they are more than can be counted. 6Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
  but you opened my ears.
  Burnt offering and sin offering you did not require. 7Then I said, “Look—I have come;
  in the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8I delight to do your will, O my God;
  your instruction is within my heart.” 9I have proclaimed good news of righteousness
  in the great assembly;
  look—I have not restrained my lips,
  O LORD, you know. 10I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart;
  I have spoken of your faithfulness and your saving help.
  I have not concealed your steadfast love and your truth
  from the great assembly. 11As for you, O LORD, do not withhold your compassion from me;
  let your steadfast love and your truth continually keep me.

Prayer for Help

12For troubles have surrounded me beyond number;
  my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I cannot see;
  they are more than the hairs of my head,
  and my heart fails me. 13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
  O LORD, hurry to help me! 14Let those be put to shame and confounded together
  who seek my life to destroy it.
  Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
  who delight in my hurt. 15Let those be appalled because of their shame
  who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” 16But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
  let those who love your salvation say continually,
  “The LORD is great!” 17But I am poor and needy;
  yet the Lord takes thought for me.
  You are my help and my deliverer;
  O my God, do not delay!