THE GOD WHO RESCUES FROM THE PIT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 40:1-3
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 38:6-13; Daniel 6:16-23; Genesis 37:18-28; Lamentations 3:53-57; Psalm 103:4
INTRODUCTION:
Life can sometimes feel like a pit—a place of darkness, helplessness, and isolation. Pits can be emotional, financial, spiritual, or even physical. They are the low points in life where it seems all hope is gone, and escape appears impossible. In the Bible, pits often symbolise affliction and entrapment, yet they are also places where God demonstrates His power and mercy.
The good news is that our God is not distant from those in the pit. He sees, He hears, and He acts. No matter how deep or dark the pit may be, God's arm is long enough to reach down and lift us out. He specialises in changing the stories of those whose lives are trapped in cycles of hopelessness and pain.
This teaching will show us the dimensions of God’s ability to rescue, redeem, and restore those who find themselves in the pit. Through His intervention, shame is turned to honour, bondage to liberty, and sorrow to joy. God not only lifts us out but also places us on solid ground and gives us a new song to sing.
1. GOD SEES AND HEARS THOSE IN THE PIT
Even when no one else notices your pain, God sees it clearly. He hears the cries that others ignore and responds with compassion and power.
a) God's Eyes Are Never Blind to Suffering
God saw the affliction of Israel in Egypt and remembered His covenant (Exodus 2:23–25). He is aware of every pit in which His children find themselves.
b) God Listens When We Cry from the Depths
David said, "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1). God leans in to hear the cries of those trapped.
c) No Pit Is Too Deep for God's Reach
Jonah cried out to God from the belly of the fish in the deep sea, and God heard him (Jonah 2:2–6). Depth does not hinder divine intervention.
d) God's Response Is Timely and Sure
Though it may appear delayed, God's rescue is never late. He comes at the appointed time to glorify His name (Lamentations 3:26).
Biblical Example: Jeremiah was thrown into a pit and left to sink in the mire, but God stirred the heart of Ebed-Melech to pull him out (Jeremiah 38:6-13).
2. GOD RESCUES TO RESTORE DIGNITY AND PURPOSE
God does not just rescue us for escape's sake—He lifts us so we can fulfil destiny, recover honour, and bring glory to His name.
a) Divine Rescue Comes with a New Identity
When Joseph was brought out of the pit and prison, he was elevated to the palace with authority (Genesis 41:14, 40-42).
b) God Turns Shame into Glory
Those who once mocked you will witness your lifting. God restores what was lost and makes it better (Isaiah 61:7).
c) He Re-establishes Our Feet on Solid Ground
Psalm 40:2 says, “He set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” God ensures stability after the storm.
d) God's Rescue Leads to a Testimony
When God rescues you, your life becomes a platform of praise and influence. Others see and fear and trust the Lord (Psalm 40:3).
Biblical Example: Daniel was rescued from the lion’s den and promoted in Babylon. His testimony led a king to honour God (Daniel 6:22-28).
3. GOD’S MERCY OVERULES THE ENEMY’S PLAN
The enemy plans to keep people in pits forever, but the mercy of God intercepts and breaks those plans.
a) Satan Designs Pits as Permanent Traps
Joseph’s brothers wanted him gone forever, but God's mercy redirected his story (Genesis 50:20).
b) God’s Mercy Cancels Every Verdict of Destruction
Where men write you off, mercy writes you back in. God’s compassion never fails (Lamentations 3:22-23).
c) God Will Raise Help in Unlikely Places
Just as Ebed-Melech arose to rescue Jeremiah, God raises men and women to intervene (Jeremiah 38:10).
d) Mercy Transforms Judgment into Grace
Where you should have been condemned, God brings mercy. He rescues the deserving and undeserving alike (Titus 3:5).
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was about to be stoned, but Jesus' mercy rescued her (John 8:3-11).
4. GOD GIVES A NEW SONG AFTER THE PIT
God doesn't just bring you out; He fills your life with joy, peace, and a fresh purpose. He changes your lamentation to celebration.
a) God Fills the Mouth with Praise After Deliverance
David said, “He hath put a new song in my mouth” (Psalm 40:3). Rescue brings rejoicing.
b) People Will See Your Transformation
When God rescues you, it will be evident. Your life becomes a living testimony (Isaiah 60:1-3).
c) God Uses Your Story to Inspire Faith in Others
Your testimony of deliverance will strengthen others in their dark seasons (Revelation 12:11).
d) There Will Be Restoration of All That Was Lost
What the enemy took while you were in the pit, God will restore and multiply (Joel 2:25-26).
Biblical Example: Job was restored after his season of affliction and ended up with double what he lost (Job 42:10-12).
CONCLUSION:
Our God is not a passive observer of our pain; He is an active deliverer. He steps into the darkness and pulls us out with His mighty hand. The pits of life are not permanent residences for the children of God—they are only stages for divine intervention and transformation.
Whatever pit you may find yourself in—be it sin, debt, depression, rejection, or confusion—God is able and willing to rescue you. Your cry has not gone unheard. Your tears have not been in vain. Trust in the God who delivers, and He will bring you out and lift you up beyond your expectations.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for being the God who hears my cry from every pit.
2. O Lord, lift me out of every dark and hopeless situation in my life.
3. Father, by Your mercy, cancel every plan of the enemy to keep me trapped.
4. Lord, raise helpers for me from unexpected places in Jesus’ name.
5. Let every ancestral pit dug for me be destroyed by Your power.
6. Establish my feet on the rock and direct my steps into Your purpose.
7. Give me a new song of testimony and praise in the name of Jesus.
8. Let those who mock me now become witnesses of my lifting.
9. Father, turn every shame in my life into honour and celebration.
10. Restore everything the enemy stole while I was in the pit, in Jesus’ name.
