(40:1-3) Waiting for God's Will - Waiting for God to help us is not easy, but David received at least four benefits from waiting: (1) God lifted him out of his despair; (2) God set his feet on a rock; (3) God established his steps (steadied him as he walked); and (4) God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often, blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting. 

(40:6) Going Through the Motions - "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire." The religious ritual of David's day involved sacrificing animals at the tabernacle. David recognized that these acts were meaningless unless done for the right reasons. Today going to church, taking Communion, or paying tithes can become empty rituals if we don't do these things for the right reasons. God isn't impressed with our rituals (sacrifices and offerings) apart from an attitude of devotion to him. The prophet Samuel told Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22), meaning that who we are becoming is always more important than what we are doing. Make sure you give God his rightful place in your heart, and then whatever you do will be a beautiful result of your love for him. 

(40:7-8) Obeying and Serving God - "I delight to do thy will, O my God." Jesus portrayed this attitude of obeying and serving God (John 4:34; 5:30). He came as the prophets foretold, proclaiming the Good News of God's righteousness and forgiveness of sins. In Hebrews 10:5-10, the words of Psalm 

(40:6-8) Are applied to Jesus. 

(40:9-10) God's Faithfulness - David said he had spoken of God's faithfulness and salvation to those around him. When we experience the impact of God's righteousness on our lives, we cannot keep it hidden. We want to tell other people what God has done for us. If God's faithfulness has changed your life, don't be timid. We are quick to share a good deal on a purchase with others or recommend a skillful doctor, so sharing what God has done for us can come just as naturally if we truly grasp the incredible value of an eternal relationship with almighty God. 

(40:10) When we think of faithfulness, a friend or a spouse may come to mind. Friends who are faithful to us accept and love us, even when we are difficult to love. Faithful people keep their promises, whether promises of support or promises made in marriage vows. God's faithfulness is like human faithfulness--only perfect. His love is absolute, and his promises are irrevocable. He loves us in spite of our constant bent toward sin, and he keeps all the promises he has made to us, even when we break our promises to him. 

(40:17) God Knows You - The leader of your country probably does not know you by name, let alone think about you. Here David is asking the king of all creation to think about him. And the truth is that he is thinking about you -right now! The ruler of the universe constantly has you on his mind. Allow this truth to sink in and comfort you. If God always has us in his thoughts, is there anything we could do to keep him in our thoughts more?