the pit

I was reading Psalm 40 this morning and was reminded of one of Corrie ten Boom's favorite quotes“There is no pit too deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” I am not presently in the pit but it hasn't been long ago that I was. My read-through-the-Bible-this-year plan ( I use John Piper's plan, you can find it at http://www.sfkcpc.org/daily/files/bethlehem_baptist_church_-_bible_reading_plan.pdf"> I actually find myself slipping back into the pit quite often and maybe you do too. The past several Psalms, back to 33, have spoken to my need to continually look to the Lord.
These are selected verses from these nine chapters:[New Living Translation]

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does...But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken... the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love...He freed me from all my fears...Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good! Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need...
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you...Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior..."Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best each of us is but a breath.”... I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire, He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord.

As I think about trying to be what He desires and my constant need for him I'm reminded of Josh Wilson's "Savior, Please". (Lots of things remind me of songs:) These are the lyrics.

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me

Shouldn't that be our prayer ? Even thought I have the assurance that He has saved me from the penalty of sin: I am justified before God. He has to continue that work of making me "less like Adam and more like Christ". I know I can't keep myself out of that pit and I can't get myself out. Jesus is the only one who can do that...and I'm so grateful that he will never stop!

You can hear Josh Wilson sing this at youtube.