Learning to Wait on God
In the dictionary, wait is used to “indicate that one is eagerly impatient to do something or for something to happen.” I find it interesting that this definition includes the description impatient. We have all seen examples of impatient waiting while in line at the grocery store, while driving in traffic, or when the promised 10-minute wait turns into three times longer. I think it is safe to say that most of us don’t appreciate having to wait.
However, in the opening line of Psalm 40, David states that he waited patiently for the LORD. Commentaries say that this use of the word wait means he was waiting and waiting. David was diligent in waiting. He didn’t let the current crisis sway him to look for quick fixes and expedient answers. He cried out to God and waited for Him. David knew that whatever problems he faced were temporary yet God’s promises would stand forever. Thus, he was committed to wait for God.
The rest of this verse provides a sweet picture of what happens when we wait on God. David says, ”He inclined to me and heard my cry,” (v 1b). Sometimes waiting for God to answer can cause us to feel He is faraway or indifferent to our needs. However, God leans in to hear us. I think of a parent bending down over a sleeping baby in a crib making sure she is okay. God pays attention to us. He cares and He listens! Isaiah 65: 24 says, “Before they even call out to me, I will answer them, before they’ve finished telling me what they need, I’ll have already heard.” (TPT)
We should take note that God doesn’t just listen, He acts. In the next verse, David writes, “God drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure,” (v 2). God reaches down not only to hear but to strengthen and establish us as we wait for Him. One of my favorite passages is found in Habakkuk 3. Even though the circumstances looked dire, Habakkuk chose to trust God. “God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places” (Habakkuk 3:19). We can be confident that God will sustain and support us in the midst of our difficult circumstances as we wait for Him.
In response to David’s cry, God not only leaned in to hear and support him, but He gave David a new song. “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God” (v 3a). David had a heart response to God’s actions. Likewise, spontaneous praise should be a natural response when we encounter God. We can declare His goodness and faithfulness regardless of our circumstances. Our souls can be well, our hearts joyful and at peace, even as we wait on Him, trusting His plans and purposes for us.
I love the rest of verse 3, “Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” This reminds me that God has a bigger picture than just leaning in and sustaining us in our difficulties. Others are influenced by the songs we sing. Do those around us hear whining and complaints or songs that declare our trust in God? May our songs encourage those who hear to marvel at the work of the Lord and as a result, put their trust in Him.
