Reading: Psalm 40:5-11

Psalm 40:10 – “I didn’t keep your righteousness only to myself. I declared your faithfulness and your salvation.”

As we return to Psalm 40 today, David’s song of praise and thanksgiving continues. In a general way David recalls and celebrates the “many things” that God has done in his life. Of God’s wonderful deeds and plans, David declares, “No one can compare with you.” As is the case with David, so it is with us as we walk long with the Lord: God’s touches upon our life are too numerous to count. So as is our natural inclination, the question that comes to our minds is this: How do we thank God? In David’s time it was sacrificial offerings. But David knew that God did not require these. No, God does good and wonderful things simply because that is the character of God. In this, we find great hope.

So, then, what is David’s response to God? And what should our response be? David declared, “Here I come!” This was David’s way of saying that he was all in, that God could do with him whatever God wanted. David desires to do God’s will and to know God’s ways. He tells the assembly (we’d call it the church) the goods news of what God has done for him. It is to be shared by us as well. In verse 10 we read, “I didn’t keep your righteousness only to myself. I declared your faithfulness and your salvation.” May it be so for you and for me today and every day.

Prayer: Lord God, you are bold in your love for us. In the moments when boldness is required of us, may we powerfully stand and speak of your love for us and for all of humanity. At times you come quietly, with a whisper or nudge. When gentleness and kindness are needed, may we speak and move carefully and compassionately. In all ways, O God, use us to proclaim the good news of your love and salvation. Amen.