July 17

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. And He 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. Psalm 40:1-3.

This is a remarkable description of our suffering Savior, Jesus, at the cross. Jesus never defended Himself; never complained. But He cried out at the cross, “Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” We know that the Father had not forsaken Him. He heard the cry of Jesus, just as He will also hear our cry. Jesus was brought out of the tomb, the pit of destruction. I love the thought of Jesus singing a new song—we will hear that as we are gathered in His name at the wedding of the bride.

We are to be patient in our walk within this world. Patience is the fruit of the Spirit, beginning with agape love. We are to have the same mindset as Jesus as we look for victory in our conflicts. Remember also Joseph, who was delivered out of a pit and sold into slavery. Ultimately he became the effective ruler of Egypt. The times may appear too difficult, even impossible, for our ability to solve. Yet that is the very time that the Lord moves.

Father, You are the Merciful One. Place my feet on the rock of Your salvation. Let me not waver in my trust of You. I will not seek instant solutions. Instead let me experience the patience that stems from love. We will experience trials and worldly trappings, but through it all I can learn of You. Thank You and Amen.
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