FEBRUARY 25
Psalm 40
Psalm 40:2-3, “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
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.
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!
-Henry J. Zelley, 1898
An aggravated murder suspect, somehow managed to escape a psychiatric hospital in Salem, Oregon. However, his attempt at freedom was short-lived. He found himself trapped in a situation he couldn’t get himself out of.
It was an emergency call reporting a possible dead body that led to his rescue. Far north of Salem, the man was found stuck in the mud up to his armpits, about 75 feet from solid ground. For 12 long hours, he struggled helplessly, his efforts only trapping him deeper in the muck. He was utterly powerless, until a rescue team arrived, using ropes and ladders to pull him to safety.
Ironically, the man’s name was Christopher Pray. Had he only heeded the words of his name, and prayed, he might have experienced an earlier spiritual rescue—one that could have spared him from the troubles that led him to this desperate situation.
Spiritually speaking, the miry clay speaks to the troubles we encounter in this world, and especially the entanglement of sin. The psalmist speaks of a “pit of destruction,” and that’s an apt description of what happens with sin, as has been said, “If you find yourself at the bottom of a pit, stop digging.” Sin is much like digging a pit in which to bury oneself. Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus of how they’d been stuck in their sins and trespasses, doomed to destruction as children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3).
The problem with sin, as with the miry clay, is that it is impossible to rescue oneself. Assistance is needed. David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord “drew (him) up from the pit of destruction” (Psalm 40:2). The God who is rich in mercy is well able to rescue from sin’s guilt and power. On the other side of rescue is rejoicing. After being welcomed by his father, following his time spent wallowing in the pigs’ mire, the prodigal son was invited to a grand feast and joyous celebration. Every rescued sinner has a song of praise to sing. The choir of the redeemed sings to the vast audience of others needing rescue. And you, believer, are a part of that choir.
Having been rescued from the mire of sin, the choir of the redeemed have a song of praise to sing!
Application Questions: Remember when you cried out to God for salvation? How joyous were you? Have there been times since you’ve felt as if you were stuck in the mud? What lessons can be learned from the psalmist’s experience?
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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