Before church on Sunday mornings, a small group of us meet to share prayer requests and praises. It always seems easier to remember prayer requests than it does reasons for thanksgiving. We don’t have to search long to remember illness, financial needs, or plight of a wayward child. However, when it comes time for giving thanks, it often feels more difficult.

In Psalm 40, David is not shy about giving thanks to the Lord. He remembers a time when the Lord heard his cry for help and answered (v. 1). He recounts, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (v. 2). This experience of deliverance led David to praise God publicly to let everyone know what God had done (v. 3).

David’s personal experience of thanksgiving led him to recount God’s attributes and character. He confessed that God is not primarily pleased by external obedience, but by obedience that comes from the heart (vv. 6–8). When we worship, our motives matter. It is the combination of sacrifice with the right attitude that makes it valuable (Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:22). David resolved not to conceal who God is or what He has done. He will spend his days proclaiming God’s love to all (v. 10).

David’s ability to remember God’s faithfulness gave him confidence to approach God afresh when a new set of difficulties had arisen (vv. 11–17). Following the Lord does not mean a life free from troubles or difficulties. In fact, just as we get delivered from one situation, it often feels like we end up in another one. David here reminds us to continue to come to Him with our needs and to proclaim His faithfulness when those needs are met. On this side of the cross, we can always give thanks for the salvation that the Lord Jesus has achieved for us (1 John 2:1–2).

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