It’s Important to Pray, Wait Patiently, and Trust God

Sharing is caring!

When I find myself in a “pit of despair” the last thing in the world I want to do is “wait patiently.” But that’s exactly what David said he did in Psalm 40…

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

If I’m in a “pit of despair, I want out . . . NOW!

The Bible doesn’t tell us what David was going through at the time and honestly, the “what” doesn’t really matter. All we know through the various translations is that it felt like—death, quicksand, and destruction. It was horrible, dangerous, desolate, lonely, confusing, wretched, and he was despondent.

Those are not feelings that typically make us want to wait patiently.

But David knew God’s track record. He knew that he could trust God’s love and His timing.

So, today we’re going to look at a list of things to do when life is confusing, lonely, and filled with despair.

Psalm 40
Things to Do When You’re in the Pit of Dispair

1. Pray – Cry Out to God

Lord, you do not withhold Your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me.
Lord, be pleased to rescue me;
hurry to help me, Lord.

Psalm 40:11, 13 (CSB)

2. Wait Patiently – Trust God’s Timing

How happy is anyone
who has put his trust in the Lord
and has not turned to the proud
or to those who run after lies!

Psalm 40:4 (CSB)

3. Count Your Blessings Remember What God Has Done in the Past

Lord my God, you have done many things—
your wondrous works and your plans for us;
none can compare with you.
If I were to report and speak of them,
they are more than can be told.

Psalm 40:5 (CSB)

4. Follow God’s Will – Love and Serve Others

I delight to do Your will, my God,
and Your instruction is deep within me.

Psalm 40:8 (CSB)

5. SEEK God First – God is Who He Says He Is and He Keeps His Promises

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
let those who love Your salvation continually say,
“The Lord is great!”
I am oppressed and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my helper and my deliverer;
my God, do not delay.

Psalm 40:16–17 (CSB)

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Trust God and Wait Patiently

Father, it’s hard to wait patiently in a pit of despair. I’ve vainly tried to claw my out by myself but I’ve been unsuccessful. I’ve collapsed in exhaustion and wondered how long I’ll be here. I want to be free from this feeling of hopelessness. I need You. I need Your help. I need hope.

So, I cry out to You in prayer. Your Word tells me to devote myself to prayer; to stay alert with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2) You promise that You have plans and purposes for me and that when I pray, You will listen. (Jeremiah 29:11–12) I don’t believe Your plans for me include living in a pit of despair.

You want me to live with hope. You want me to trust Your timing and follow Your will. You want me to remember the ways You have delivered me in the past. And You want me to SEEK You and Your Kingdom so that I might KNOW that You are who You say You are and that You faithfully keep Your promises.

I will thank and praise You. I believe that by Your grace, You will lift me out of this pit planting my feet on a firm foundation. I believe that You will hold me up and steady as I walk this journey. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

I love you! I will proclaim Your greatness! And with Your help, I will do my best to live each day for Your glory. Amen.

This lesson is repeated throughout Scripture.

It sometimes feels easier to give up and give in to despair. We can be tempted to grab a blanket and get comfortable in misery. But God wants so much more for us. He also wants us to want the “more” that He wants for us.

He gave His life so that we might have “more.” Jesus said that He came to give us LIFE in abundance. (John 10:10)

And that abundance includes peace, joy, contentment, thankfulness, strength, courage, hope, and so much more. So, if you’re stuck in a pit of despair, run to your Heavenly Father and trust Him to set you free and give you everything you need to steadily walk the journey ahead.

God be with you and bless you. May you see His hand reaching out to lift you up and set your feet on solid ground.

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!