November 3, 2021 – Psalms 36-40

An interesting, and important, point is made by David in Psalm 40. Many (friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, et al) will see the Lord’s deliverance of David, see his patient waiting on God by faith, hear his testimonies, and put their trust in the Lord: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord” (40:1-3). Furthermore, he tells us, “I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation” (4:10).

It is so important that we walk consistently with the Lord, trust him, and by our lives and words give testimony of his faithfulness. If others see us regularly moping about, complaining, wearing our discouragements on our sleeves, what a terrible effect that has on them. But if we walk in the confidence of God’s faithfulness and joyfully display that confidence consistently, “many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (40:3). In his “Hints to Preachers,” Spurgeon quotes Carl Bernhard Moll: “What God has done for us, or for the church, we should lay to heart; but not lock up in our heart.” That is, we should ever be telling (singing?) of God’s goodness, not only to his praise, but that others will hear and trust.

Feasting on the riches of His grace,

resting 'neath His sheltering wing,

always looking on His smiling face,

that is why I shout and sing.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

sweetest name I know,

fills my every longing,

keeps me singing as I go. -- Luther B. Bridgers (1910)