Passage: Psalm 40
The Big Idea
“I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me.” God lifted David out of a horrible pit and set his feet on a rock. Then the psalm turns to Jesus: Hebrews 10:5-7 quotes verses 6-8 as the words of Christ, who came to do God’s will and offer Himself. The pit, the rock and the new song are all grace.
Reflections
I waited patiently for the Lord (v. 1). Waiting is a grace thing. It isn’t empty; it’s full of relationship and hope. Help me wait without worry, and wait for You, not just a change in circumstances.
He brought me up out of a horrible pit (v. 2). I could never climb out myself. It was dark and I was helpless and stuck. Yet You saved me, set me on a rock and established my steps, all by grace. You freely gave me justification and sanctification.
He has put a new song in my mouth (v. 3). This changed my heart. I praise You and speak of Your goodness. I pray many will see it and trust You. I just want them rescued like I was.
Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust (v. 4). There’s joy in trusting You. The just shall live by faith. Not by serving You, but by trusting You alone. I need to lay aside every other trust, especially pride and its lies: “I’m fine. I’m strong. I’m capable. I’m good.” Free me from those lies, Jesus.
Many are Your wonderful works and Your thoughts toward us (v. 5). You’ve proven Yourself powerful and willing again and again. Why do I forget You? I’m a slow child; change me. And You think about me, but not about my sin. You’ve put it away because of Jesus. Your thoughts toward me are peace, to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I want to know the height, depth, width and length of Your love (Ephesians 3:18), and only Your Spirit can reveal it.
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened (v. 6). You don’t want my efforts. You needed a sacrifice, and You provided it Yourself in Jesus. Hebrews reads it: “A body You have prepared for Me.” Jesus didn’t need a sin offering for Himself; He was holy. Yet He took my sin and bore my shame. And Your work in me is like opening my ears, so I can finally hear You and walk with You.
Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of Me (vv. 7-8). Jesus, You came for that purpose. The whole Bible is about You, full of treasures about Your beauty and love. I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart. Doing the Father’s will was Your food (John 4:34). Give me the same heart, and direct my soul by Your Spirit.
I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness (vv. 9-10). As a pastor, I love these verses. It takes faith and humility to speak of God’s ways, and I thank You for holding me and my tongue when I preach. What joy to declare Your faithfulness, salvation and lovingkindness! It’s all grace. Keep my heart fixed there.
Do not withhold Your tender mercies (vv. 11-13). Tender mercies, lovingkindness, truth: all free gifts and my only protection. I’ll ask for them daily. The asking-and-receiving relationship is good for a father and child. Troubles surround me, and many are my own doing. My sins seem to disqualify me from help, but You say ask anyway. So I will. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me.
Let all those who seek You rejoice (vv. 14-16). Because I’m called by Your name, You’ll defend Your honor in my life. Seeking You is a source of joy. To find Your salvation is to love it, and our mouths fill with Your praise.
I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me (v. 17). Humility. Your faithfulness is too wonderful. You think about me? When I wake up, You already know how You’ll help me that day. Oh, I love You, Lord.
Grace Takeaway
Wherever your pit is, you can’t climb out. But He can lift you, set your feet on the Rock and put a new song in your mouth. Wait for Him; He thinks about you.
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