Tuesday 29 October 2013

Background

Psalm 40 is a prayer that affirms that God's past salvationmeans hope for the future. It begins with an assertion that thepsalmist's personal experience of salvation is the story of whatGod has done: "he inclined ... and heard.... he drew ... and set"(vv. 1-2). This has come from waiting patiently upon God to act(verse 1). As a description of salvation, the imagery of beinglifted out of desolation and the mire of uncertainty (verse 2) andset upon a rock - ie the firm foundation of God - where futuredirection can be confidently sought ("steps secure") is powerful.The psalmist's response to God's action is joyous praise and anaffirmation that the acts of God inspire the Lord's people with thesense of awe at divine power (verse 3).

The psalmist both proclaims the blessedness of God's protectionand exhortspeople not to depend on human strength or idolatry(verse 4). There are two paths open and the psalmist leaves thereader in no doubt as to which one brings fulfilment. Suchfulfilment results from the actions and thoughts of God,incomparable and too numerous to record (verse 5). For thepsalmist, choosing to place oneself under the protection of such aGod is, in modern parlance 'a no-brainer'.

The psalmist then goes on to make a personal declaration ofcommitment to God, who is not impressed by the formalism of ritual(verse 6) but rather in a life gladly devoted in service: "Here Iam … I delight to do your will" (vv. 7-8). These verses are relatedin the New Testament to 'the offering of the body of Jesus Christonce for all' (Hebrews 10:5-9), the ultimate demonstration ofGod's inclination to humanity through self-sacrifice upon thecross.

God's inclination towards humanity, says the psalmist, shouldnot be kept a secret through "restrained lips" (v. 9) but ratherthe story of God's faithfulness, salvation and steadfast love(verse 10) need to be shared as an encouragement to all God'speople to hope in the future. It is, for the psalmist, time to talkof God!

To Ponder

• To what extent is the imagery of salvation as being lifted froma place of uncertainty and desperation to a place of safety andsecurity in God a helpful one for you? What other images haveresonance for you?

• When sharing your experience of God in your life with others,what is the most exciting part of the story?