I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart (Psalm 40:8, NLT).
Psalm 40 is a little-known Psalm. Yet it’s one of the most important chapters in the Bible for knowing and following God’s will.
Let’s review: Walking in God’s will is good, while not walking in God’s will is bad! And Psalm 40 gives us five steps for staying on His narrow path.
First: Wait for the Lord.
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry (v. 1).
God works through process. His plan of salvation, beginning in Genesis, will be completed thousands of years later in the Book of Revelation. It won’t take thousands of years before He reveals His will to you …
But it might take days, months, or even years.
By learning joy in patience, we won’t have our peace shattered by transient trials.
Second: Sing your song.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed (v. 3).
Below is Pastor Grant’s unusual view of heaven.
I believe our lives are a song composed as we live. And in heaven, “our song” will be sung to God’s glory by angels, heavenly hosts, and all the saints. The Psalmists of eternity will include David, Asaph, Michael W. Smith, Lauren Daigle, and you!
We find “our song” when we discover and obey God’s will.
Third: Joy in trust.
Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud (v. 4).
Every down and every up in our lives has one purpose — learning to trust God. Joy becomes the signature quality of our lives when we learn that …
O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list (v. 5).
Trust in God gives us wisdom and joy.
Four: Talk about it.
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness (v. 10).
Those who walk with God can’t help sharing their testimony.
Our words tell a story of trust and joy or despair with fear. Let’s listen to our words. What do our conversations reveal about our relationship with God?
The Book of James teaches the rudder principle of the tongue …
Look at the ships also: though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires (James 3:4, ESV).
How are our words guiding us?
Five: Ask boldly.
Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me (v. 13).
When we trust God and find joy in His will, we can ask anything in the name of Jesus, and it will be done for us. With confidence, we can ask for power, provision, and peace to perform God’s tasks.
That’s it — five descriptives of walking in God’s will. Let’s conclude with the final phrase of Psalm 40 …
You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay (v. 17).