Psalm 40 -- For My Son

David readily acknowledged all that God had been actively doing in his life:

                He turned to him.

                He heard his cry.

                He lifted him out of the pit.

                He stood him on a rock.

                He made his feet steady.

                He gave him a new song.

                He glorified HIMSELF by doing all of this.

David realized that true happiness in life comes from trusting God with our lives.  “The honor of proud men is not important.  The false gods of materialism, pleasure, and sexual indulgence cannot SATISFY the human heart.  Only God can.”

David described a common event at that time – the piercing of a slave’s ear to denote permanent servanthood – “my body and life are Yours … My God, I want to do what You want.  Your teachings are in my heart.”

Because of all God had done for him, David would tell his story to others, glorifying God.  Our reaction should be the same.  We are to tell OUR story – how God actively intervened in our lives – to glorify Him.

David readily admitted that he sins.  He wasn’t going to claim otherwise.  Therefore, he asked God never to hold back His mercy.

As the king, David had access to everything he’d ever need, but as a man, he knew he was poor and helpless without his God – his Helper and Savior.  He asked for God never to wait to help him and save him.

My commentary boiled it all down to three instructions for difficult times:

                Praise God for all He has done.

                Give God all that He asks.

                Trust God for all that remains.

“God wants our hearts first of all, then open ears to hear and obey His will … an open ear means a yielded will and a surrendered body.  When the heart delights in God’s law, the will has no problem obeying … Worship is not an escape from life, but the opportunity to honor God and be equipped to face life and live for His glory … David couldn’t see what lay ahead [and neither can we], but God knew the future and He had everything under control.”

Father, I think of my precious son as I read these words.  I pray that over the past two months You have opened his ears and his heart to these words and given him strength to face life, tell his story, and live for Your glory.  Watch over him, Father!  Do not wait!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford