Show Don't Tell: Psalm 40

Instead of saying "David testified to God's rescue," feel the mud release. "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." Sinking in muck—then solid rock. "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him." Rescue becomes testimony. "Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare." Uncountable wonders. Then the Messianic section: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.'" Hebrews quotes this of Christ. "I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know." Then trouble returns: "Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD... For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me."