(Psalm 40:1-3 ESV) 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 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. 3 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.
When I was a kid, there was a singer named Sammy Hall who frequented the Camp Meeting and Youth Camp circuit. He had a wonderful testimony of deliverance from drugs. After Sammy would visit, many of the youth of the church would give their testimony about various vices that God had delivered them from. Sometimes, the ones who testified last felt the need to enhance their testimony by making up deliverances that never actually occurred! We often jokingly accused them of “building their testimony!”
Interesting things happen when we wait patiently on the Lord. David began this Psalm with several very bold statements. Think about it. He declared that God lifted him out of a pit, set his feet on a rock, stabilized his wobbly steps; none of which happened literally! He was speaking symbolically!
As David was searching for adequate words to describe the goodness of God, he chose examples others could relate to. For instance, it’s not hard to imagine God leaning in so He can hear our prayerful words. Neither is it difficult to “feel” the stability of having a solid foundation to stand on. There’s a big difference between standing on a dry, solid rock and standing on a slippery one! He also pointed out how God had stabilized his wobbly steps; securing his pathway.
After experiencing his answered prayer, David breaks into a new song of praise; a song he could never have sung had it not been for the intervention of the Lord. Often, we become so impatient while waiting on the Lord’s assistance. A million “what if” scenarios are rehearsed in the secret recesses of our mind. And, instead of songs of praise, our words can keep us locked into dark thoughts of our impending demise. Not David! He uses his good fortune to speak of the goodness of God.
The result? He believed his testimony would serve as a turning point for many individuals observing his deliverance. With anticipation he writes, “Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”
I’m thankful for the many times the Lord has brought deliverance to me. But, I’m equally grateful that my testimony has been instrumental in helping others find their way to Him. How about you? What kind of testimony are you building?
PRAYER: Father, let your grace be evident in my life in such a way that others may see Your goodness, fear You, and put their trust in You. Amen