This Psalm, written by David, was in a time when he was overwhelmed by some great trouble and temptation; but the LORD had SAVED him. He was RESCUED by the POWER and GOODNESS of God,
Through this time David learnt:
1) How to TRUST in the OMNIPOTENT GOD.
2) How to PRAISE the OMNISPRESENT GOD.
3) How to be a WITNESS of the MERCIFUL GOD.
David had been humbly waiting on the Lord and He had heard his plea. He expected no other relief, and had no doubt it would come from God. From previous experience, he knew God would come and `lift him from his slimy pit'.
I am in one of those times, like David, overwhelmed by, not so much a spiritual depression; but a physical depression. Mental illness brought on by something I haven't experienced before - ongoing physical pain and weariness. I trust in God's greatness and I know how to praise God, for I know He is always with me. I have witnessed before His goodness in my life, so I know He will lift me from the pit again. I just need to keep reminding myself of this promise, as David did:
"I waited PATIENTLY for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and mad my feed steady. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship Him. Then they will trust the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3 (NCV)
TRUST IN THE OMNIPOTENT GOD - Read Psalm 40: 1-8
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do and He will give you success." Proverbs 3:5&6(NCV)
"But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord wll show he can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes, it still produces fruit." Jeremiah 17:7&8
These are two of my favourite verses about TRUST. Why? Because they remind me that although there is something I need to do, there is a PROMISE that God will be FAITHFUL too, The same is true in these verses in Psalm 40.
David reminds us that we need:
* To be PATIENT and CRY OUT TO THE LORD.
* To be HAPPY and THINK ABOUT PRAISEWORTHY THINGS.
* To TURN AWAY FROM IDOLS.
* To GIVE OUR LIFE AS A SACRIFICE.
If we trust in God, He will in turn:
* LIFT US OUT OF THE MUD AND PLACE US ON THE STEADY ROCK.
* Put a NEW SONG OF PRAISE INTO OUR MOUTHS.
* Continue with your MIRACLES and PLANS FOR OUR LIVES.
* COME, as He has promised in the HIS WORD,
David was lost in wonder, love and praise at the miracles and greatness God had worked in His life and that of his people. He realized, as Paul did, that true worship is not sacrifices and burnt offerings of lambs, but giving their TRUE SELVES.
"So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy. I beg you to offer your lives as a LIVING SACRIFICE to Him. Your offering must only be to God and pleasing to Him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship." Romans 12:1 (NCV)
"You do not want sacrifices and offerings, but you have made a hole in my ear to show that my body and life are yours. You do not ask for burnt offerings to take away sins. Then I said, "Look, I have come, It is written about me in the book. My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart." Psalm 40:6-8 (NCV)
WITNESS OF THE MERCIFUL GOD - Read Psalm 40: 9-15
For David it seemed that telling people about God's goodness and mercy just came naturally; but for others, although they believe it and feel it in their heart, it may not be so easy. No matter how much we want to share our faith, we may simply be SHY.
So firstly, KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS. Remember, He is the centre of your faith, the reason for your forgiveness and salvation. David knew that although sometimes he lost his courage, it was the Lord's mercy and faithfulness that had protected him from his enemies.
"I do not hide your goodness in my heart. I speak about your loyalty and salvation..... Lord do not hold your mercy from me; let your love and truth always protect me." Psalm 40:10&11 (NCV)
Then, REMEMBER HOW GOD HAS ENCOURAGED YOU. How has God provided for YOU in your life, what have YOU learned from His Word and what Has God been doing in YOUR life. Sometimes I get into trouble from my husband for sharing too much about myself on FACEBOOK; and he is probably right at times, but sometimes this is the only opportunity I have to write, and I have found that some people have been encouraged and blessed, by what God is doing in my life. At times it is my only witnessing!
"So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35&36 (NCV)
"God began a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Philippians 1:6 (NCV)
Finally, DON'T WORRY ABOUT SAYING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS. The Holy Spirit will be speaking for you. When you talk about God's goodness others will be drawn to Him by the Spirit.
"If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth." John 14:15 (NCV)
"When the Spirit of Truth comes He will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak His own words, but will speak only what He hears and He will tell you what is to come. The Spirit of Truth will bring glory to me, because He will take what I say and will tell it to you." John 16:13&14 (NCV)
PRAISE OF THE OMNIPRESENT GOD - Read Psalm 40:16&17
Yesterday I was watching a show on the ABC about the Sri Lankin workers who have come to Australia to work in our orchids. It was interesting to watch how they started each day singing praise songs together to the Lord. They continued throughout the day as they picked, bringing joy to each other, and it seemed, to their employers.
I could imagine my Dad doing the same. He was a great man of praise. I try to do the same, Oh, I don't always sing - it might cause problems with my neighbouring caravaners, but I do play my praise and worship music. When I go over to the classroom, I start each day playing my children's worship music, and I try to be like Pollyanna and play the `Glad Game' as much as I can.
Singing is a fun response to God's goodness, but you can also worship without saying anything. True praise begins in your heart and mind. As you think about the omnipresence of God, the rhythm of praise effects your step. Soon the sound of your heart praise comes out in your conversation and attitude. It glorifies God just as much as singing a song!
"I keep the Lord before me always. Because He is close by my side, I will not be hurt." Psalm 16:8 (NCV)
CONCLUSION
God lifts us up and establishes our feet on a stable rock. He changes our attitudes by giving us a new song to sing. He helps us witness by showing our trust in the Lord. God performs wonders, He has made plans and His wonderful deeds are numerous,
God doesn't want burnt offering, He wants our obedience to His will. He wants us to show His love, and He will show His saving love and faithfulness to us. He will renew our courage with His mercy and protection,
God is our helper and Saviour. He will rescue us from our enemies. We can have the ultimate joy and gladness, because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, Jesus took joy in doing the will of His Father for us, David took joy in doing the will of God, and we can be LIFTED UP as, we too follow the will of God in our lives - as we TRUST GOD, PRAISE GOD and WITNESS of His MERCY AND LOVE.
The Devotional Bible, New Century Version, (1991) Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson.
