Psalm 40:1-8

Good News Translation

A Song of Praise^[a]

40 I waited patiently for the Lord's help;
    then he listened to me and heard my cry.
²He pulled me out of a dangerous pit,
    out of the deadly quicksand.
He set me safely on a rock
    and made me secure.
³He taught me to sing a new song,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many who see this will take warning
    and will put their trust in the Lord.

⁴Happy are those who trust the Lord,
    who do not turn to idols
    or join those who worship false gods.
⁵You have done many things for us, O Lord our God;
    there is no one like you!
    You have made many wonderful plans for us.
I could never speak of them all—
    their number is so great!

⁶^(A)You do not want sacrifices and offerings;
    you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar
    or for sacrifices to take away sins.
Instead, you have given me ears to hear you,
⁷    and so I answered, “Here I am;
    your instructions for me are in the book of the Law.^[b]
⁸How I love to do your will, my God!
    I keep your teaching in my heart.”