You may wonder why this Psalm, of all others, resonates in me with such strength. First, the rescue described by the Psalmist here most accurately depicts the way I think about salvation. As sinners, we are all stuck in the “miry bog.” When I was in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, there were times that I walked through such deep mud that it threatened to pull the boots right off of my feet. It was a labor just to walk, much less to walk any kind of distance with speed. That experience illustrates well just how stuck we humans are in our sin; not actions primarily, but the condition of our heart.

When the scales of our eyes are removed and we see Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection as the remedy for our sin, it’s an amazing thing. As we put our faith in Jesus, we understand the rescue from the pit and His establishing our lives on Himself, the Rock. I identify with David; I have been rescued.

The second reason this Psalm is so dear to me flows from my experience of having a song in my mouth. As a disclaimer, I’m not a great singer. I’ve never sang a solo in church and I’m not an active participant in any choir or choral group. I’m not trained, nor have I ever thought to audition for “American Idol.” So, I’m not saying this as a musician, but as a Christ-follower. I believe that the Lord has put a song in my mouth.

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But third, and I think this is the point, this God-given joy that erupts forth as song is used as a witness for the Lord. Others will see and fear, and trust. Because our rescue is displayed through the song in our mouth, others can see and understand. Our joy in the Lord deviates radically from much of experiences of those outside of Christ. When we sing as an overflow of joy, those who hear are attracted to something they haven’t experienced. Often, our joy in song is compelling.