40:1-3Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received four benefits from waiting: (1) God lifted him out of his despair, (2) God set his feet on solid ground, (3) God steadied him as he walked, and (4) God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the tria! of waiting.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 40
Psalm 40
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 886, 887
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40Psalm 40
Author: David
140 For the choir director: A psalm of David.I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2He lifted me out of the pit of despair,out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid groundand steadied me as I walked along.
3He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what he has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the LORD.
4Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,who have no confidence in the proudor in those who worship idols.
5O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.Your plans for us are too numerous to list.You have no equal.If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,I would never come to the end of them.
6You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand*—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7Then I said, “Look, I have come.As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8I take joy in doing your will, my God,for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9Thave told all your people about your justice.Ihave not been afraid to speak out,as you, O LORD, well know.
10Thave not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;Thave talked about your faithfulness and saving power.Ihave told everyone in the great assemblyof your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11LORD, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12For troubles surround me—too many to count!My sins pile up so highI can't see my way out.They outnumber the hairs on my head.Ihave lost all courage.
13Please, LORD, rescue me!Come quickly, LORD, and help me.
14May those who try to destroy mebe humiliated and put to shame.May those who take delight in my troublebe turned back in disgrace.
15Let them be horrified by their shame,for they said, “Aha! We've got him now!”
16But may all who search for yoube filled with joy and gladness in you.May those who love your salvationrepeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!”
17As for me, since I am poor and needy,let the LORD keep me in his thoughts.You are my helper and my savior.O my God, do not delay.Theme: A prayer for God’s mercy when feeling sick or abandoned.or when everyone deserts us, God remains at our side.
Author: David
41 For the choir director: A psalm of David.
Textual footnotes
- 40:6 Greek text reads You have given me a body. Compare Heb 10:5.
Life Application Notes 5 notes
40:6The religious ritual of David's day involved sacrificing animals in the Tabernacle. David said these acts were meaningless unless done for the right reasons. Today we often make tituals of going to church, taking Communion, or paying tithes. These activities are also empty if our reasons for doing them are selfish. God doesn’t want these sacrifices and offerings without an attitude of devotion to him. The prophet Samuel told Saul, “Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Make sure that you give God the obedience and lifelong service he desires from you.
40:7,8“I take joy in doing your will, my God.” Jesus portrayed this attitude of obeying and serving God (John 4:34; 5:30). He came as the prophets foretold, proclaiming the Good News of God's righteousness and forgiveness. of sins. In Hebrews 10:5-10, verses 6-8 are applied to Jesus.
40:9,10David said he would speak of God's faithfulness and salvation to those around him. When we realize the impact of God's righteousness on our lives, we cannot keep it hidden. We want to tell other people what God has done for us. If God’s faithfulness has changed your life, don’t be timid. It is natural to share a good bargain with others or recommend a skillful doctor, so it should also be natural to share what God has done for us.
40:10When we think of faithfulness, a friend or a spouse may come to mind. Friends who are faithful accept and tove us, even when we are unlovable. Faithful people keep their promises, whether of support or made in marriage vows. God's faithfulness is like human faithfulness, only perfect. His tove is absolute, and his promises are irrevocable. He loves us in spite of our constant bent toward sin, and he keeps all the promises he has made to us, even when we break our promises to him.
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