9 June 2024 - Psalm 40

Waiting patiently for God

Psalm 40:1-2(NIV) says: I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. 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.

David often talked about waiting for God, especially in recent Psalms.

Psalms 25:5(NLV) says: Guide me in your truth and teach me, because You are the God who saves me. I wait for You all day.

Psalms 27:14(CSB) tells us: Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the LORD.

In Psalms 37:7(NIRV) it says: Be still and wait patiently for the Lord to act. Don’t be upset when other people succeed. Don’t be upset when they carry out their evil plans.

Psalms 39:7(NKJV) asks: And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

David trusted in the LORD even when he didn't get quick answers. But then, God showed he was listening to David’s cries.

Psalm 40:1(CSB) says: I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. And in Psalm 40:1(CEB): I put all my hope in the LORD. He leaned down to me; he listened to my cry for help.

The main thing is to wait. David says he waited patiently. Many people lose patience and stop waiting. God paid attention to David.

The word inclined here, means God bent down to listen to David, making him feel close to God. Knowing God heard him, David was sure he would be helped. 38

By waiting patiently for God, David got help in his trouble (which he describes like being stuck in mud), and God put him in a safer, more stable place. God answered David's prayers.

Ending with Psalm 40:1-2(MSG) I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out from the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock, to make sure I wouldn’t slip.