I was chatting about death with a neighbour once, using it as an opportunity to witness to him. We were discussing what the most difficult way to die would be. I finally said, “Perhaps the most difficult way to die would be to be smothered—to be sinking in quicksand and be smothered.”

David had that kind of experience spiritually (v.1-2). It’s bad enough to be sinking in quicksand, but David also had the floods coming over him. What did he do? He did what every Christian should do. He waited (v.3a). David knew the situation was in God’s control. Yes, he did cry out to God for rescue. Nothing is wrong with that. But he also waited.

David also wept (v.10). Nothing is wrong with weeping. Pain hurts, and some situation can break your heart. David waited and wept, and he knew that God was going to see him through. And finally, he watched. David says in v.6 “It’s not important what happens to me. But I don’t want to create any problem for anybody else.” Throughout this psalm David becomes more and more like the Lord.

When you find yourself sinking in the quicksand, there is a little else you can do but cry to the Lord. Sometimes He allows the “quicksand” experiences to turn you to Him. Wait for God. Acknowledge that He is in control. Give Him a piece of your broken heart and watch Him work for you. You can depend on His faithfulness.