Lifted: 30 Days of Hope From the PsalmsSample

Day 9 – Waiting with Hope (Psalm 40)

Psalm 40 gives us an honest and hopeful picture of waiting on God. The psalmist describes calling out to the Lord and waiting patiently until God turned to him, lifted him out of despair, and set his feet on solid ground. This psalm is a reminder that waiting is not wasted. God hears our cries, and in His perfect timing, He responds with deliverance.

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of faith. We want answers quickly, but God uses seasons of waiting to refine our trust and deepen our faith. The psalmist’s testimony shows that God not only rescues but also gives a new song of praise. Our deliverance becomes a testimony that others can see, leading them to trust God as well.

This theme is echoed in Isaiah 40:31, which promises that those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength, rising up on wings like eagles. Paul also reminded believers in Romans 8:25 that if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it with perseverance. These verses show that waiting is not passive—it is active trust in God’s goodness and timing.

Psalm 40 also reminds us that God desires obedience over ritual. The psalmist acknowledges that God is pleased with a surrendered heart more than outward sacrifices. Waiting on God often involves learning to trust and obey even when His plan is not clear. It is a time of surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to lead us in the way of faith.

If you are waiting for God to move in your life, take courage. He hears your cry, He sees your need, and in His perfect time, He will lift you up.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for hearing me when I call and for setting my feet on solid ground. Teach me to wait with patience and hope, trusting that Your timing is always perfect. Give me strength to persevere and fill my heart with a new song of praise as I remember Your faithfulness. Amen.