A New Song II

Grace for All

Psalm 40:3 - "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him."

Many years ago, during the most painful time of my life, I read Psalm 40 daily. When words to express the depth of my emotions eluded me, I found them in this psalm. The Psalmist reminded me that God’s people throughout recorded history had felt the same feelings as I and had also wrestled to make sense of human suffering. These ancient words connected me with God’s people across geography and time and convinced me that I was not alone. The Hebrew people had also cried out to God in pain, and just like me, most of all, they cried out in search of hope.

Psalm 40 begins this way: “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.”

Life is messy, and waiting patiently in the mud and mire is hard. But when I needed it most, this psalm reminded me that God is faithful. It encouraged me to take heart when the ground seemed to be falling away underneath my feet. In time, God would lift me up, give me a firm foundation on which to stand, and put new song in my mouth.

Once upon a time, I could not find the words to pray. Now, I can sing a song of praise. Isn’t that God’s way? To redeem our greatest sufferings and use them to deepen both gratitude and faith? To turn, as the prophet Isaiah writes, ashes into beauty, and mourning into joy? To clothe us with praise instead of despair? And that is not all. For to what end does God restore hope and give a new song of praise? So that others will hear and also find their way to God and trust in God’s faithfulness.

A trusted pastor and wise friend once said to me, “God doesn’t waste anything.” Amen and amen. God redeems despair, and turns words of lament into a new song, a universal language of hope, so that many will see—in awe—and place their trust in God.

Would you pray with me?

Oh Lord, my Rock and Redeemer, when I find myself stuck in the mire of despair, lift me up, set me on firm ground, and fill my mouth with your music—a new song of hope, that others may hear and find their way to you. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.

This devotion was written and recorded by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.