Grace Notes – Gracious Patience

“I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.”

    Psalm 40:1-3 AMP

Grace Perspective: 

This Psalm offers us hope when we are distressed. The Hebrew words “waited” and “patiently” are the same. They mean to wait, look for, hope, expect. [i] King David, the author of this passage, knew a lot about waiting on God. He knew the difference between waiting and taking matters into his own hands. On this occasion, David chose to wait hopefully and expectantly for the Lord, knowing God listens to his cry for help. 

David sets an example for those who watched him endure the painful trial. He knew that others would “see and fear and trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:3b NASB) as he waited patiently. David did not wait to see results before lifting his voice in praise to the Lord. He could not restrain his lips from making God’s righteousness, faithfulness, lovingkindness, and truth known. He knows God will not withhold His compassion. Even when his own sin overtook him, David trusted the Lord to deliver him. He honored God during his painful trials, assured as he waited that God would rescue him in His good timing. 

A Touch of Grace: 

How patient are you?

What do you do while you’re waiting on God?

Grace Application: 

King David begins his song by saying he “waited patiently” for the LORD. Waiting and patience are not always seen simultaneously in my life; how about yours? While I may be able to wait a little while for the Lord to act in my life, far too often, I grow impatient and try to take matters into my own hands. I’ve learned that trying to run my life apart from God usually ends in heartache. That is why seeking God through Scripture is invaluable in our walk. If we grow impatient as we wait upon Him, meditating on truth will help us see His grace at work in the waiting room of life, even if we are in a pit. 

David was confident in God’s grace to deliver him despite failing. He did not trust in his strength to pull him from the pit of distress. He sought God’s unfailing grace to pull him up and place his feet upon a rock or a firm foundation. We, too, can call out to the God of grace, who listens when we cry out to Him. He will never turn away from those who praise His name as they confidently trust His steadfast patience and love.

       In His Grace,

          Dawn

Prayer:

Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful for Your patience with me. Forgive me when I am impatient and take matters into my own hands, not trusting You. Holy Spirit, help me to grow more patient as I trust the Lord’s perfect timing. Place a song of praise in my heart and on my lips so others may see Your grace at work in my life. Amen

**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**

  [i] http://classic.studylight.org/isb/view.cgi?number=06960