Listen>https://youtu.be/i1QMB_GmNFw?si=TeR1iOBQVXD8ZD-T

Lifted from the Pit

I waited for the Lord,
And He turned His ear to me.
He pulled me from the pit,
From the mud and the misery.
He set my feet on the rock,
Gave my steps a place to stand.
He steadied my shaking soul,
Held me in His faithful hand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
A praise rising from the dark.
Many will see and fear,
And trust the Lord of my heart.
Blessed is the one who hopes,
Who doesn’t chase the proud or lies.
Your wonders none can number,
Too many for my eyes.

You lifted me out,
Out of the pit I was sinking in.
You set me on solid ground,
Taught my broken soul to sing again.
Your mercy is my story,
Your faithfulness my song.
You lifted me out,
And You’re the One I lean upon.

Sacrifice You did not want,
Nor offering on the flame.
But You opened up my ears,
And called me by my name.
I said, “Behold, I come,”
In the scroll it’s written of me.
I delight to do Your will,
Your law is my liberty.

I’ve told Your truth aloud,
I’ve not hidden Your saving grace.
I’ve spoken Your faithfulness,
Your love no darkness can erase.
But trouble surrounds my life,
My sins rise up like a tide.
Be pleased, O Lord, to save me,
Be my help, stay by my side.

You lifted me out,
Out of the pit I was sinking in.
You set me on solid ground,
Taught my broken soul to sing again.
Your mercy is my story,
Your faithfulness my song.
You lifted me out,
And I’ll rise, I’ll rise, I’ll rise.

STORY BOARD

SONG OVERVIEW

Written and produced by Tasmanian Songwriter Jason Bresnehan, Lifted from the Pit is a piano-driven Christian ballad based directly on Psalm 40. The song tells a story of rescue, restoration and renewed purpose after a period of darkness and struggle.

The lyrics closely follow the movement of the Psalm itself. What begins in the pit of despair gradually transforms into a testimony of gratitude as God lifts the singer onto solid ground and places a new song in his mouth. The song sits at the point where rescue has already occurred and a new chapter is beginning.

THE FORGIVENESS JOURNEY

Lifted from the Pit forms the third song in a four-song Psalm journey exploring repentance, mercy, rescue and restoration.

Clean Heart Rising (Psalm 51) was the prayer of repentance.

Hope in the Depths (Psalm 130) explored waiting for mercy.

Lifted from the Pit (Psalm 40) celebrates rescue.

Hiding Place (Psalm 32) completes the journey through forgiveness and peace.

Within that journey, Lifted from the Pit marks the turning point. The focus is no longer on the burden of sin or the wait for forgiveness. The rescue has happened. The singer has been lifted out and given a new foundation on which to stand.

MUSICAL DIRECTION

Like the other songs in the Psalm series, Lifted from the Pit is built around piano, raw vocals and a simple arrangement that places the Psalm front and centre.

The song gradually opens as the story unfolds. The opening verses carry the weight of struggle and uncertainty before expanding into a more confident expression of gratitude and praise. By the final chorus, the repeated declaration "I'll rise, I'll rise, I'll rise" becomes a statement of hope and renewal.

THE ARTWORK

The artwork depicts a solitary figure climbing from darkness towards brilliant light above. Abandoned bottles remain behind on the cave floor while a staircase leads upward toward freedom.

The image directly reflects both Psalm 40 and the song's themes of rescue and transformation. The pit remains visible, but it no longer defines the direction of travel. The climb has begun and the light ahead is stronger than the darkness behind.

PERSONAL CONNECTION TO JASON BRESNEHAN SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER

Of the four Psalm songs, Lifted from the Pit may be the most closely connected to Jason Bresnehan's own recovery journey.

Psalm 40's description of being pulled from the pit and placed on solid ground mirrors his experience of recovery from more than three decades of alcoholism. The imagery of rescue, gratitude, second chances and renewed purpose resonates strongly with anyone who has emerged from a difficult chapter of life and begun rebuilding.

For that reason, the song functions as both Scripture and testimony. The Psalm provides the words. Life provides the perspective.

The central message is simple: the pit may be part of the story, but it does not get the final word. God does.