1)
What is the connection between this Pasuk and the previous one?
1.
Rashi (in Tehilim, 106:44): Teshuvah (through Tefilah) and the arrival of the due date are the two merits on account of which Hashem will keep His promise to take Yisrael out of Galus. 1
2.
Yerushalmi Ta'anis, 1:1: The Torah is hinting at the three merits that will enable Yisrael to go out of Galus as well 2 : 1. "ba'Tzar l'cha ... Veshavta ... " - Teshuvah; 2. "ki Keil Rachum Hashem Elokecha" - Rachamim; 3. "ve'Lo Yishkach es b'ris Avosecha" - Z'chus Avos.