By Chuck Thornton

For the Peninsula Clarion

Psalm 40:1-3

The story is told of a man who was in such a state of depression that he went to a psychiatrist. Upon learning of his troubles, the doctor urged him to go to hear a world-famous humorist, who was in the city. “That man,” stated the doctor, “should be able to bring you out of your state of mind.” The depressed man sadly replied: “Sir, I am that humorist.”

Have you ever had one of those “in the pits” days … or weeks … or —? David did … lots of them. He was a musician for the king (great position). He was able to express his passion for music and song in the highest court in the land (great privilege). His music became well known by others (great prominence).

But … there was a downside to all that. The king became so moody at times that he even tried to kill David, while he was doing his job. “What a ‘bummer’,” as some of my children used to say. Imagine playing your best to make the king happy, only to have him try to skewer you with his spear. Nobody wants to be a shish kebab, even in the palace. That’s enough to turn anybody’s blue skies to gray.

You may ask: “What does that have to do with me? I’m no musician. I don’t work in a king’s palace. I’m just plain old ‘Joe (or Josephine) Schmo’, plugging away at life here at the factory, or schoolhouse, or kitchen, or …”

“And how’s your day going?” may draw quite varied responses from us. Sometimes we are on “top of the world”; while at other times we may be “in the pits.” Let’s listen briefly to someone who knew how to get out of the pit and up on the pinnacle.

In Psalm 40:1, David gives us two keys to getting out of the pit. First, he said: “I waited patiently for the LORD.” Then he added: “He … heard my cry.” But we don’t want to wait. We want quick answers, immediate relief, and prompt solutions. But David learned the value of waiting. He also learned the importance of calling out for God’s help. David let God know of his situation. Do you or I?

When David waited after crying to the Lord, he identifies four results for us. First, he was lifted “up, out of the pit of destruction.” Second, he was placed on “a rock, making (his) footsteps firm.” Third, (and I like this one) he got a “new song … even praise …” And, finally, he was able to help others by his experience. Happy people make the best helpers for unhappy people.

If you are “in the pits,” or have the blues, try David’s solution. It works.