Psalm 40:1–2

Psalm 40:1-2 in the New King James Version (NKJV): 

Faith Persevering in Trial 

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 

I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry. 

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps. 

Verse 1: “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.” 

This verse speaks to the believer’s relationship with God, characterised by patience and trust. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be King David, expresses his reliance on God’s timing (“I waited patiently”). This is a key tenet of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, which emphasises God’s sovereignty and the believer’s trust in His divine plan. 

The phrase “He inclined to me, And heard my cry” suggests a personal, intimate relationship between the believer and God. It underscores the belief that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively listens to and cares for His people. 

Verse 2: “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.” 

This verse uses vivid imagery to depict God’s saving grace. The “horrible pit” and “miry clay” symbolise a situation of despair or difficulty. The act of being brought “up out of” these circumstances represents deliverance, a common theme in the Psalms and throughout the Bible. 

The phrase “set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps” conveys stability and direction provided by God. In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this could be interpreted as the firm foundation provided by faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:25). 

Application to Modern Christian Living 

Psalm 40:1-2 encourages believers to wait patiently for the Lord, trusting in His timing and His plan. It reassures us that God hears our cries and is capable of delivering us from our troubles. The passage also reminds us that our faith in Christ provides a firm foundation upon which we can stand. 

In the face of challenges, believers are encouraged to cry out to God and trust in His deliverance. Furthermore, the passage invites believers to reflect on the ways God has ‘set their feet upon a rock’ in the past, cultivating gratitude and reinforcing their faith for the future.