HE BROUGHT ME OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY

On Saturday morning we left very early in the morning to travel to State College for the Penn State football game. On the way we tuned in a Christian radio station and I recognized a hymn that I haven't heard in decades. While I seldom remember singing the verses of this hymn, I do recall that the refrain was sung regularly in our prayer meetings. Despite the decades that had passed, I was amazed that I readily remembered the words and the melody. My wife remarked that she doesn't ever remember hearing this hymn or even its refrain. I replied that I was surprised by this because I often remember her father quoting the verse that this is based on when he gave his personal testimony. Psalm 40:2, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings". It is interesting that modern philosophy and even some theology says that we are basically good and that all we have to do is pull ourselves up and reach our potential. But those who have been saved by God's grace realize that without Him and His work on the cross, we are hopeless. We are low in a pit in the miry clay of sin that continues to pull us down. But when we experience the gift of His salvation, our feet are placed on a solid rock, a solid foundation. My father-in-law, even untill the time of his death, recognized this truth in his life, and he testified of it often. Have you experienced this transformation of being lifted out of the sinking pit of sin and hopelessness and being placed on a permanent foundation? Only Jesus can do that. The words of this old and probably forgotten hymn were written in the late 1800's by Henry J. Zelley and the music was added by Henry L. Gilmour.

My heart was distressed 'neath Jehovah's dread frown,

And low in the pit where my sins dragged me down;

I cried to the Lord from the deep miry clay,

Who tenderly brought me out to golden day.

Refrain:

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

He placed me upon the strong Rock by His side,

My steps were established and here I'll abide;

No danger of falling while here I remain,

But stand by His grace until the crown I gain.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

He gave me a song, 'twas a new song of praise;

By day and by night its sweet notes I will raise;

My heart's overflowing, I'm happy and free.

I'll praise my Redeemer, who has rescued me.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

I'll sing of His wonderful mercy to me,

I'll praise Him till all men His goodness shall see;

I'll sing of salvation at home and abroad,

Till many shall hear the truth and trust in God.

He brought me out of the miry clay,

He set my feet on the Rock to stay;

He puts a song in my soul today,

A song of praise, hallelujah!

Listen to the music here. LISTEN