“I desire to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8 NIV).
Psalm 40, written by King David, expresses the journey of our own walk with God. We have something in common with King David, because he had a great desire to do God’s will. Don’t we all? But here is the conundrum. We are not worthy. God works in mysterious ways.
In times of distress we ask for the Lord’s help. When He doesn’t respond immediately, we must wait. Here’s where an attitude of patience is necessary. If we wait patiently, He will come and change our circumstances. Chances are that we find ourselves in trouble because of our own wrong choices. Often we act before we seek God’s will. Then we find ourselves in trouble. In the very next verse David sings, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire” (Psalm 40:2). He lifted David out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and He can do that for you and me.
God went even further than rescuing David from a dangerous place in life. He changed him. Verse 3 says, “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.” God blessed David by rescuing him, and David ‘grew’ a new attitude. When David’s attitude of patience was rewarded, he turned it into praise. Because of the attitude of praise and worship, many will put their trust in God.
As believers, this is our purpose ― to worship and glorify God and to increase His Kingdom. God blesses those who trust in Him, not those who follow the popular and famous, or those who turn to false gods.
To keep an attitude of awe and praise toward our God, here are the things that we must remember.
1. Many are the wonders the Lord has done.
2. He has planned our future.
3. Nothing can compare to Him.
4. His blessings are too numerous to count.
5. He is in control.
6. Every breath we take is a gift from God.
We cannot keep His love and faithfulness to ourselves. We simply feel the urge to share it with everyone. And in the midst of all this, we cling to His mercy because we know we’ve done nothing to deserve His grace. He loves us. No matter how many troubles surround us, He is there to protect us. He is greater than the evil one. When we seek His will we do it through prayer, Bible study, our church community, and appealing to the Holy Spirit. We are poor and needy, but when we seek His will in humility, we can rejoice and be glad in Him!
So what should my attitude be today? If you are in the slimy pit and in overwhelming need of rescuing, patience and trust in the Lord and His timing are the only attitude you need. However, most of us are not overwhelmed by a single problem, so we have different attitudes in different areas. An attitude of patience is required in areas where God has not acted or answered prayers yet. In other areas, attitudes of praise and gratitude are most important.
Father in Heaven, I desire to do Your will. Rather than worry, I trust You and Your timing in all situations. Meanwhile I obey the commands Jesus gave us in the New Testament to love God, and love my neighbor as myself. Fill my heart with love for others. Help me recognize divine appointments You’ve made for me. Amen.
This is an excerpt from the forty-day devotional, “Attitude Matters”. Click here to order.
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