Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”
Today’s psalm teaches us the importance of waiting. This is most difficult for us to do, especially the particularly impatient among us. However, if we will wait on the Lord He will hear our prayer (cry). There are several things that will result from our waiting and God’s hearing.
1. “He brought me up out of…” You fill in the blank. What has He brought you up out of and what do you need Him to bring you up out of? David is obviously referring to God’s ability to turn a situation around. David referred to his situation as “horrible pit” and “miry clay.” I don’t know if you’re that deep and that stuck but complaining about it won’t change it. Waiting and praying about it will change it.
2. “Set my feet upon a rock.” This is one of the most powerful effects of prayer and patience. I have seen God bring stability into people’s lives over and over again. What is unstable in your life that needs stability? He can place you upon a rock so you can stand firm.
3. “Established my steps.” Unsure about what to do and where to turn? Is the future worrisome to you or extremely vague? Patience and prayer can bring clarity and in so doing, will cause your steps to become established.
4. “He has put a new song in my mouth.” You just have to look at the book of Exodus and especially the book of Numbers to see impatience at work. Israel complained over and over again and did not wait upon God. As God begins to move through your patience and your prayers he will change your tune. He will “put a new song” in your mouth. One of praise, faith, and thanksgiving for what God has done and what He will do. Let’s get rid of the old song!
5. “Many will see it…” When God turns things around, make sure others see it. This will be your testimony to them of how God was the one who worked in your life and “brought you up out of…” Thank God that pit is only temporary! Be patient…God can change your situation and turn it around.