Psalm 40 - Share Your Story

Psalm 40:1-3, 5, 9-10, 16 NIV


I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.


Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”

Psalm 40 seems to have testimony in mind. The psalm begins by recounting how God delivered the author. He was feeling stuck in a slimy pit, but God put him on a firm place to stand. He now has a new song to sing God's praise. He believes his testimony, his praise of the Lord, will bring others to worship Yahweh as well.


Personal testimony is powerful. To tell others how the living God has rescued you, helped you, shaped and strengthened you, is a means of grace, not only to yourself, but to all who hear you. Something of the living God is present in your story which touches hearts.


Don't keep your joy in God's goodness to yourself. Open your mouth and your heart and bless others with your story of how God loves you. Then others will join you in praise, share your joy, and worship the Lord, saying, "Yahweh is great! "