Out of the Miry Clay by Ann Wayne

Week 12--March 21-27
Scripture Reading: Joshua 13-24; Judges 1-8; Psalm 40-43; Key passages for this devotion: Psalm 40:1-3

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand, He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”  Psalm 40:1-3

The year was 2001. A year I don’t want to remember. My husband left me and three children. It was traumatic. I lost twenty-five pounds, went down to a size two in clothing, suffered from depression, had the shingles and could only focus on one day at a time.

But yet, I knew who was in control. My relationship with the Lord was solid and my foundation could not be shaken. Everything around me was stirred up, but I knew the promises of God. I woke up in the middle of the night and read the Word of God. I kept my Bible on the pillow beside of me. It was the only thing besides crying out to God that would get me through the night. I read out loud so that I could hear God’s word profoundly and clearly. A friend had suggested this and I can attest that it helped.

In Psalm 40, David also cried out to God. He said in verse 1, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” He had waited on the Lord patiently and he was not disappointed. He began by acknowledging that God answered his prayer. This is a perfect example of trusting God with our requests and expecting Him to answer. Many times we ask for something and doubt God’s ability to come through for us. It is in perseverance that we are refined and blessed by waiting on God.

In verse 2, David proclaimed that the Lord lifted him up out of the miry clay and set his feet on solid ground. Now, this does not literally mean “miry clay.” It refers to trials and tribulations; bondage and adversity. The Lord responded to his cry for help and gave him security – a result of David’s relationship with the Lord and the foundation that was already in place.

And then in verse 3, the Lord gave him a new song. David said that “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” This was a great testimony to many people. When fellow Christians or non-Christians see what the Lord is doing in our lives, it should be a witness to them. And we should shout praises to God for the hope that he has given us.

As I look back on the year 2001 and the nine years since, I can see the hand of God on my family. He has opened doors that we would have never walked through, had we not gone through this trial. I can truly say that He has given me a “new song” and has brought me out of the miry clay.

The “new song” is the hope that is given to all who believe in Him and accept Him as Lord and Savior. It is a new beginning in life. It is new opportunities to serve Him and His people. The miry clay is bondage, hopelessness and living in any situation that is not of God. Coming out of the miry clay is like being freed from slavery.

Ann Wayne is involved in Single’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Crossroads Communicators.  She is a single mom of three grown children, two precious grandchildren, and a mischievous black lab named Bailey.  She has a passion for ministering comfort and healing to women, enjoys writing, reading, hospitality and outdoor adventures.