Look Up.

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

There is a joke about a Sunday School teacher filling in for the regular teacher. She was struggling to open a combination lock that held the craft supplies needed for the morning’s lesson. She had been told the combination but had forgotten. Finally, she went to the pastor’s study to ask for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused for a moment and looked serenely heavenward while his lips moved silently. Suddenly, he looked down, turned to the last number and opened the lock. The teacher was amazed at the pastor’s faith and told him so. “It’s really nothing,” replied the pastor. “The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling.” Our answers are not on the ceiling, as Christians, we know our help comes from the Lord.

In Psalm 40, David describes his situation as in extreme peril. He was in a “desolate pit”, a “miry bog”. The implication is that the situation was so bad every time he tried to get out he slipped or was pulled back in. Many of us know this situation well. In the midst of our trouble we see no way out. And many times, in addition to our trouble, we have an active audience of those who seemingly take pleasure in our trouble. David waits patiently. God hears his cry and sets his feet upon a rock, making his steps secure. David understands that God’s mercy is unmerited and is thankful and quick to tell all those who will listen about the goodness of the Lord. In your time of trouble, look up. When God delivers you, be truly thankful.

My prayer for you today is that God hears your cry, sees you waiting patiently and comes quickly to deliver you.

Deacon Larry Woodard