Psalm 40: Preserve Me, O Lord!

David’s psalms often present either a prayer for forgiveness or a prayer requesting deliverance. Psalm 40 sees him remembering past instances when God has intervened to protect His servant (vv. 1–10). David is in need of deliverance once again from his current crisis (vv. 10–17). While waiting “patiently for the LORD” to hear him (v. 1), it seems God is not listening. But God does hear the psalmist’s prayer and lifts David up, setting his feet on solid ground again. David is thus given a new song of personal deliverance and victory to sing (vv. 1–3).

Those who place their trust in the Lord will not be disappointed (v. 4)! Recalling the many times God has blessed the psalmist in the past is the inspiration for this particular psalm. No one can number the blessings given to humankind by our benevolent heavenly Father.

David wonders how he can thank God adequately.

Sacrifices and offerings do not seem to be enough. God wants a higher service (vv. 5–8). “Obedience is superior to mere sacrifice (see Ps. 51:16, 17).” “It was Christ’s joy to obey His Father; His was a joyful obedience. When the law is inscribed in the heart, obedience becomes a pleasure.” Psalm 40:6–8 “point out one of the primary objectives of the teachings of the Messiah. To the Jews the externals were the sum total of religion. Jesus taught that these were only a means to an end and that the end itself was harmony with the will of God. The basic function of the plan of salvation is to restore in man the image of God . . . , and any system of religion that subordinates this function to adherence to ceremony and tradition thereby obscures the primary purpose of true religion.” Those who have experienced the love of Christ will want to share it with others (vv. 8–10). David once again brings to God’s attention his current problems and asks for deliverance, and then David ends his song by asking God not to tarry or delay in sending help (vv. 12–17). “Come, we that love the Lord, / And let our joys be known.”