“I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Psalm 40:1-2

I’ve read these verses many times, taken hope from them. But this morning I’m seeing and hearing them call me to listen, perhaps seeing a connection I’ve missed in the past.

“I waited patiently for the Lord…He drew me up…” Sometimes God doesn’t draw me up as quickly as I would like. There is much to learn and experience in the pits and bogs. Sometimes the despair and discomfort keep me from perceiving what I need to understand. I can be patient in the middle of the pit and the bog because God inclines Himself to me. He doesn’t simply hear from afar and toss out a life ring for me to grab, He comes near to where I am – seeing and understanding what I am experiencing. He is with me in the pit and the bog; therefore, I am safe. I can wait patiently.

I’m thinking this morning about some of the pits of despair I have experienced – loss of job, food insecurity, severe issues with my children – and how at first my plan was to find a way to climb out of the pit as quickly as possible. But before too long, I found the pit had become a bog, and my feet were stuck in the mud and muck of hopelessness. I had no power to remove myself from the situation.

I wish I could say that in each situation I waited patiently, or that in all times in any one situation I waited with patience. That didn’t happen. But I can say without hesitation, I learned the most when I recognized God’s Presence in my despair. Knowing God was with me provided the opportunity to look around me, to see the suffering of others who were also stuck, to learn compassion and grace.

And, after a time, God has plucked me out of the mud and the mire, and set me on a secure rock – until the next pit or bog comes along.

Perhaps my ponderings this morning will help me wait with patience, for God inclines Himself to me when I call. Wow! I am grateful.