Waiting and Trusting
Opening Prayer
Lord, help me to give You thanks and to tell others of Your goodness.
Read Psalm 40:1-17
[1] For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. [4] Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. [5] Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. [6] Sacrifice and offering you did not desire- but my ears you have opened- burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. [7] Then I said, “Here I am, I have come- it is written about me in the scroll. [8] I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” [9] I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know. [10] I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. [11] Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. [12] For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. [13] Be pleased to save me, LORD; come quickly, LORD, to help me. [14] May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. [15] May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. [16] But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” [17] But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What pleases God?This psalm is essentially a prayer for God’s help in the face of trouble. The exact nature of this trouble is unclear, allowing us to apply the psalm to a wide variety of personal circumstances. David appears to be under attack (14,15), but perhaps he has brought some of this trouble on himself (12).David has been in trouble more than once. He is confident in his appeal to God to help him now (11–17), because he can look back and recall how God has similarly helped him in the past (1–3). The middle of the psalm (4–10) takes the form of public and personal testimony: David wants everyone else to trust God and to discover his faithfulness in the way he has done.In the central verses (6–8) David shares an important lesson: God is less interested in outward conformity and formal worship than in a submissive and humble heart. These verses are taken up in Hebrews 10:1–10. Not only does David want to be a willing servant, but King David’s greater son, the Lord Jesus Christ, provides the perfect example of willing servanthood. And it is only his saving sacrifice that secures our forgiveness and eternal safety.This psalm is essentially a prayer for God’s help in the face of trouble. The exact nature of this trouble is unclear, allowing us to apply the psalm to a wide variety of personal circumstances. David appears to be under attack (14,15), but perhaps he has brought some of this trouble on himself (12).David has been in trouble more than once. He is confident in his appeal to God to help him now (11–17), because he can look back and recall how God has similarly helped him in the past (1–3). The middle of the psalm (4–10) takes the form of public and personal testimony: David wants everyone else to trust God and to discover his faithfulness in the way he has done.In the central verses (6–8) David shares an important lesson: God is less interested in outward conformity and formal worship than in a submissive and humble heart. These verses are taken up in Hebrews 10:1–10. Not only does David want to be a willing servant, but King David’s greater son, the Lord Jesus Christ, provides the perfect example of willing servanthood. And it is only his saving sacrifice that secures our forgiveness and eternal safety.
Apply
Share with at least one other person an example of how God has rescued you in times of trouble.
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