Psalms and the Seasons of Your LifeSample

A Psalm for the Season of Waiting

Psalm 40 deals forcefully with the issue of waiting on God. Most of us would rather run to win than be found on our knees. David was a winner for God, but in this psalm, he applauds the discipline of waiting before winning.

“Waiting” is part of God’s training process. In the process, we are renovated and revived. As we wait, we must be prepared for the onslaught of opposition. In Psalm 40:15, we see David’s adversaries saying, “Aha! Aha!” David’s anger is aroused, and he prays that God turns the tables on them.

We must respond in faith to the frivolity of our enemies. I remember when the insurance estimator came to assess the damage to our new church, which had collapsed under the harsh winds and snow of January. As we walked up a wind-bitten hill to the debris, he made this remark: “Reverend, maybe you are praying to the wrong God!” I wanted to push that sarcastic critic to the ground, but I replied something to the effect that God was not finished with us yet. In time, God’s work was restored, the people were vindicated, and the church had the last laugh!

We are waiting with the knowledge that God is working out His sovereign plan. Romans 8:28 tells us that desired ends, designed by a divine and loving Father, are destined to become reality. We wait in confidence because we believe and know and stake our victory on a faithful God!

As we are waiting, God is working. He is inclining His ear, bringing us out of the miry clay, putting new songs in our hearts, and opening our ears to hear His matchless Word clearly. We can say with David, “The Lord be magnified!” With every other substance or living thing, magnification illuminates flaws; with God, it only enhances our awe for His perfection.