PSALM 40

May The Lord Be Magnified 

Brethren, there will be times of difficulty when life is hard and everything seems hopeless. David acknowledges this as he waited steadfast for the Lord during his time of hardship (40:1). He says God saw his trouble (40:1), listened to his prayer (40:1), lifted him out of his difficulty (40:2), made him secure (40:2), and gave him a new reason to praise (40:3). Praise is the natural response to God’s salvation (40:16). David says salvation is not found in the proud, or those that follow after falsehood but in trusting God alone (40:4). God’s salvation is “good news” (40:9) and should not be hidden & concealed from anyone (40:9). Brethren, God’s mighty acts should cause you to publicly praise Him to saints & unbelievers alike! 

David says that gratitude toward God is demonstrated in ones actions (40:6-10). True believers delight to do the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures (40:7-8). Brethren, your gratitude towards God should lead to heartfelt obedience to God! 

David says that God is not interested in religious activity without the proper heart behind it (40:6). The sacrifices and offerings of the Israelites were always meant to be the outward expressions of their inner faith. Brethren, all your religious activity should be an expression of your faith in Christ! 

David is confident in God because of His nature and past works (40:11, 16). He knows that God is able to help His people in their time of need (40:13). He prays that his enemies would be rebuked by God (40:14-15). David’s chief concern during this trial is that God be magnified through his life and praise (40:16-17). Brethren, let your life & your praise magnify God at all times!