Psalm 40 - 7 Day Devotional - DAY 4

Psalm 40: 9 & 10 by Heather King

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; see I do not keep my mouth closed as you know Lord.

I did not hide your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal your constant love and truth from the great assembly.

These verses capture a posture of wholehearted witness. David responds to God’s rescue not with private gratitude only, but with public proclamation. The deliverance he experienced fuels bold speech: he will not keep God’s goodness to himself. Notice three movements: God acts (salvation), the heart receives (gratitude and conviction), and the mouth responds (public witness). True gratitude overflows into testimony.

I can really relate to these verses in the 40th Psalms.  Firstly, because I often struggle with keeping my mouth closed!  I am a “talker”.  While I like to think I am a good listener too, I often struggle with really hearing what people are saying as I am often thinking about what I am going to say next, or how I am going to respond.  I struggle with this in prayer too.  Often speaking out to God with my praises, my requests and my laments.  I know I need to spend more time listening in quiet prayer to really hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to me.  

I find verse 10 a real call to action.  What does his righteousness mean?  It means he is ALWAYS good.  Because He is God He is always right.  His actions are always consistent with His character, which is love. We are reminded of this in Psalm 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and your instruction is true.  Again, in Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock-his work is perfect; all his ways are just. A faithful God without bias, he is righteous and true

Sharing the gospel with those I love and interact with is so important.  I should not be keeping the “Good News” to myself. I should be boldly sharing about God and His love, kindness and faithfulness.  Most importantly I should be sharing about the salvation He offers through the sacrifice of Jesus.  It is not that I want to conceal his love and truth…it’s just that sometimes I do not think I know the right thing to say.  When fear or embarrassment tempts me to stay quiet, I must remember David’s courage.  It doesn’t have to be polished rhetoric…just simple faithfulness.  Telling others what God has done for me…and can do for them if they just ask.

Lord, thank you for rescuing us and for your faithful love. Fill our hearts with gratitude and give us courage to speak of your truth and salvation. Help our words point others to you and your goodness. I also pray that those who have attended Psalm 40 in the past feel bold enough to speak of your righteousness and salvation to friends and family and invite them to attend.  Thank you, Lord, for this amazing group of women who are organizing, serving, speaking and singing on Sunday.

Amen.