Getting Out of the Pit of Despair

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. (Psalm 40:1-2 NLT)

I was kindergarten age when my family moved to a new housing development. The roads weren’t paved yet, so melting snow turned them into a mucky mess.

One afternoon I pulled my rubber boots on and headed across the street to play at a friend’s house. Halfway across the road, my feet became stuck in that muck. And then it happened—a construction vehicle came rumbling down the road toward me. I panicked at the thought of it running me down.

“Help me!” I hollered. “Someone—help!” I screamed for what felt like forever.

Our next-door neighbor heard my cries and rushed to my rescue. “You’re okay,” he said. “I’ve got you.” He plucked me from the mud, carried me across the street, and set me on the sidewalk. Safe.

That childhood memory is forever etched in my mind. It brings me reassurance as a grown woman who needs the occasional rescue. This is especially true when my imagination tells me the worst possible scenario is true and fear tries to hold me captive.

When I call for help, I envision the Lord coming to me, scooping me in His arms, and carrying me to safety. But I need to remember that He might not rush to my rescue as fast as I think He should. “I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened,” says Psalm 40:1 in The Message.

My tendency is to grow impatient in the wait, but doing so only multiplies my stress. I can learn much from the psalmist. He knew the key to contentment even in the midst of difficult circumstances. His understanding of God’s faithfulness, wisdom, power, and love enabled him to trust divine timing. He knew God would respond sooner or later but never a second too late.

God is the same today. He’s faithful, wise, powerful, and loving. He hears our cries and will lift us from the mud and mire of fear and despair. He will set our feet on the firm foundation of His presence and promises.

Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. Your Rescuer will come. He will. Just wait!