Thankful While We Wait

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

The Message Bible translation begins this passage with, “I waited and waited and waited for God.” Have you ever felt this way? Apparently, David did, too. The Hebrew phrase used here means “Waiting, I waited.” We can literally interpret this to be, “While I was waiting, I waited.” We get the impression that seemingly a lot of time passed while David waited for God to act on his behalf. I certainly feel his pain, and I’m sure you can, too.

Before we become too frustrated with the wait described here, we must think about the times God has waited patiently for us. How long have we procrastinated to move on His commands? Have long have we waited to be obedient to His word? How long have we sat and moped before thanking Him for what we already have? How long have we waited to use what He has given us today to make a difference in someone else’s life? I’m sure we can all say that at times, God has had to wait and wait and wait on us, too. Being patient with Him should be no great sacrifice.

God eventually turned to David and heard His prayer. The Hebrew implication of the phrase, “turned to me and heard my cry,” gives the picture of God’s stooping from His throne to save the helpless. He really does see the mess we are in, and He graciously stoops to our level to issue a compassionate ear. He lifts us out of the muddy mire to set us upon a rock, where our feet will not slip or stumble. He secures our footing so we can stay on high ground.

From the tone of this prayer, David obviously couldn’t help himself. God had to intervene and rescue him from his own mess. I’ve been there a few times, and I can testify to God’s faithfulness, as well. If it weren’t for God, I would have suffocated under the pressure of my own shortcomings and failures. I’m eternally grateful for a God who stooped low enough to hear my cry from amidst the mud, dragged me out, and set me on a high ground so I wouldn’t fall again. That is just the God we serve.

Thank God for the times He has rescued you today. Thank Him for setting your feet on a rock so you wouldn’t stumble and fall. Thank Him for stooping to hear your cry for help. If you find yourself in another waiting period, know that God has been patient with you, and He will turn to you in due time. He doesn’t want to see you sink; He intends for you to fly. Trust His faithfulness and His love for you. He will lift you up.

Have a blessed day!