Declaring the Grace of God
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 troubles (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). Brethren, know that God knows your plight, and will work for your good (40:5).
David says salvation is found in God alone (40:4). It is God that delivered him from evil, and gave him security (40:2). Because of God’s goodness, David has new reasons to praise God before the congregation. As a result, many will hear his testimony and trust in the Lord (40:4). David exclaims to all who would hear the truly blessed state of the man who trusts in the Lord. Brethren, God’s thoughts toward us are wonderful and innumerable (40:5). God’s grace and love toward you should cause you to publicly praise Him to saints & unbelievers alike!
After David praises God, he reflects on what would God’s will for his life. David says that gratitude toward God is demonstrated in one’s actions (40:6-10). He comes to understand that the most important action that God desires for His people is obedience to His word (40:7-8). He comes to this understanding through his study of the Scriptures (40:7-8). Brethren, your gratitude towards God should lead to heartfelt obedience to God!
David has believed in God, and by God’s grace his faith is credited to him as righteousness. In 40:9-10, Like David, your gratitude toward God should lead you to proclaim the good news of God’s salvation by grace through faith to all who would hear.