Psalm 40:1-11
Psalm 40 offers multiple layers. It starts sharing when David felt he was heard by God. It moves into David’s personal experience of deliverance from distress (the “slimy pit” which represents deep trouble, sin, or distress). He celebrates his and others expressions of praise and testimony. He shares his appreciation of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The joy he feels knowing that he has been delivered. How he delights in doing and living as God directs. Only then does he conclude with a request for continued mercy in ongoing struggles.
The first 10 verses are celebrations of events that have already happened. A reminder to us to acknowledge God in our lives. Something that is hard to do when we are struggling or caught up in the issues of the day. Today’s reading is a reminder to celebrate all that we have all that God has given us! Do this and we will be reassured of God and His presence. What would be on your list??
Early in these verses we are confronted with the image of waiting and crying out. We cry out to the Lord and He delivers us. He is trust worthy. In our crying out, we may express thoughts of embarrassment or pride. Trust Him that your crying is not an embarrassment, He hears your cry and leans in to listen and comfort. God prefers an obedient, willing heart to empty religious rituals, a theme echoed by prophets like Isaiah
Do you ever think that if I do what God is asking me to do, will it be worth it? Will it be rewarded?” When we delight to do God’s will, we can trust that it is for our good and His glory. Remember Christ who, but for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. which was the ultimate offering and sacrifice. God doesn’t need our sacrifice because Jesus did. Christ was obedient to the Father, we are reminded to do the same. God prefers an obedient, willing heart to empty religious rituals. God will have a way to deal with whatever pit we find ourselves in. We can trust God!
Why is it easier to talk about the neighbors, sports or the weather? All of these are temporary. We struggle to talk about and share about those things that really matter. Too often we want to take the “shallow” approach. To talk about the weather, sports or events that are beyond our ability to change. When was the last time that you talked the sun out of shining or the wind not to blow?
Trust Him when you open your mouth and are vulnerable about your faith. Love God and Love people. Trust Him no matter who you are sharing with that what they will hear is not you but God’s word. In a recent episode of the Chosen (Season 5 episode 2), Simon Peter was trying to share to a crowd one of the parables that Jesus had shared. Even though he felt that he had failed, those in the crowd were clinging to his words. They were not hearing Simon Peter, they were hearing the Word of God. Again, trust God. God prefers an obedient, willing heart to empty religious observances. Trust God with His great commandment and commission, engage the things that are eternal don’t focus on the temporary. You live a life transformed by grace. Jesus’ coming brought the good news (gospel) of salvation, opening eyes and ears that were spiritually closed. Sharing our story with others is essential to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Trust the Lord and share. We are challenged to express joy. to resolve to share God’s goodness with others. Invite them to praise Him too. How did God save you? What can you share? What will you share?
Closing Prayer:
O LORD, do not withhold your mercy from us. Let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep us safe forever. Do not hide your face or presence from us. The only things we want in our thoughts are your love and truth. We knot these things will protect us. We will meditate on them. we will fix our eyes on you. Your truth is love, and your love is true. Troubles may surround us More than we can count. More than we can see past. At times our heart grows heavy. You, my God will save us We believe you will come quickly. Those who seek to destroy us, including fear, have already been defeated by You who lives within us and was resurrected from the grave. They will not stand. Our hopes will rise because we seek you and will be glad in you. In Jesus’s name we pray. AMEN