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by Andy Frost

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Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him( vs1-3).

Reflect

Do you ever have dark days when life is hard?

You’re feeling under the weather and it’s wet and windy outside. The house is a mess, overflowing with laundry. The kids are going stir crazy cooped up indoors all day and the boiler decides to break down.

Parenting alongside the pressures of everyday life is hard. Sometimes there are hard days and sometimes these seasons last longer than a day. There are financial problems or health issues or relational difficulties.

David had endured some tough seasons. In this psalm he uses language like being in a slimy pit, about being in the mud and mire. We are not sure exactly what he was referring to. Perhaps it was facing off wild animals as a young shepherd boy, or walking towards Goliath on the battlefield. Or maybe it was the season where he had to live in exile hiding from King Saul But whatever the situation, David remembers God as his rock and saviour.

The rear view mirror

David begins this psalm by looking back. He had waited patiently for God to do something (v1). God doesn‘t always work to our timetable but God does come through for David. Not only is David rescued but he also writes, “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (v2). And the result is that David sings a new song, like Moses and Miriam after their escape from Egypt and like Mary after her angelic visitation.

A fresh perspective

God doesn’t always come through for us in the way we expect or want him to, but looking back David sees God’s faithfulness and it helps him see clearly in the present. Reflecting on the past helps David to trust in God (v4); to follow God’s ways (v8); to speak of God’s works (vs9-10); to face difficulties in the present (vs12-13); and to worship God no matter what (v16). Above all, it helps David to remember that although he is king, he is still, “poor and needy” (v17).

When we remember the good things God has done and the times he has set our feet on the rock, it can help us to refocus and trust in him, no matter how deep the pit may seem.

Respond

Take some time to reflect on your life story. Where has God helped you and what does this mean for how you tackle the difficulties you might be facing in this season?

Catch up on the rest of Be Refreshed on the blog.