Trust in God

KEY VERSE: “Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.” —Psalm 40:4, New International Version

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 40:1-17

THIS PSALM IS attributed to David, a man of God, whose many and varied experiences inspired him to express beautiful, poetic sentiments in his great love for the Lord. Also, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to speak prophetically for Jesus, whose love for his Father transcends that of any man upon earth.

The opening words of this psalm tell how patiently David waited for God to solve his many problems by calling upon him in prayer, and by being heard. Like all fallen mankind, David made numerous mistakes. This condition is described as that of being in a ‘slimy pit’, mired in mud. (vs. 2) By putting his trust in the true God of Israel and not in false gods, David received benefits described as being lifted from the slimy pit, having his feet set upon a rock, putting a new song in his mouth—a hymn of praise to God—and inspiring others who see this change to reverence God and likewise put their trust in him. So he says, “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”—Ps. 40:5, NIV

Of all the wonderful works performed by God, there is none more wonderful than the provision of his Son to be mankind’s Redeemer. David spoke prophetically of being lifted from the ‘slimy pit’ of sin and death, and having his feet placed upon the ‘rock of ages’ or the ransom of Christ as a foundation. This will be the experience of men, and will lead to a new joy and happiness, calling forth hymns of praise to God.

Israel was given rituals to perform which gave them a typical cleansing which had to be repeated every year. When Jesus came as man’s redeemer, he fulfilled the types in these rituals.

The purpose of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews was to show that it was “not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb. 10:4) He then quoted Psalm 40:6-8, which words were prophetic words of Jesus as he came to Jordan to be immersed, and to show to all his desire to do God’s will. Paul quotes the sixth verse from the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament, which says, “A body hast thou prepared me.”

This is consistent with the Apostle John, who told us in John 1:1-4 of Jesus in his prehuman existence as the Word (Greek, Logos), saying, “The Word [Logos] was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” (vs. 14) Paul clearly identifies the words of Psalm 40:6-8 as being those of Jesus, who, when he came into the world said, “Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”—Heb. 10:5-7

After the prophetic words of Jesus are expressed, ‘I come … to do Thy will’, the psalm reminds us of the despair that engulfs all the world because of sin, culminating in the plea for their salvation, and the joy it will bring. As Jesus trusted in God, and delighted to do his will, so all mankind will have the opportunity to do likewise.

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