Psalms 40, 55, and 129 – Hope some of this brings you comfort and strength.

40

David went through many dangerous situations in his life, facing threats from people who wanted to kill him. But every time, he prayed to God and was saved. Sometimes, the danger was so intense that David felt trapped, like being stuck in a slimy pit with no way out. He describes how God rescued him from that hopeless situation in a poetic way, leading to praise and setting an example for others. I see this happening in my life with current situations being an example to our family and friends of what God’s redemption power looks like. Oh boy, it’s difficult and will take more hard work than I have ever done in my life and CAN NOT happen without God but so worth it!

David praises God for showing countless acts of mercy to His people, too many to even count.

To me, it explains how God’s plan for humanity involved the obedient sacrifice of Jesus. David recognizes that God desires obedience above all else and acknowledges that God created him with the ability to hear and obey. In response, David plans to follow God’s will as revealed in His word.

After celebrating what God has done, David looks ahead to what God will do. Part of that includes forgiving David’s sins. Despite his accomplishments, David knows he still needs God’s mercy. His prayer also asks God to keep rescuing him from his enemies. He wants those who mock and hate him to be ashamed and defeated. With a humble attitude, David praises God in advance for His response and celebrates the joy that all believers should experience. What a great example of a man.

55: At the beginning, David prays for help and describes how terrified he is of his enemies. He even wishes he could grow wings and fly far away from danger. The people who are attacking him are powerful and loud, like a raging storm. I definitely feel like this at times. I feel like Satan has attacked me for years.

While asking for rescue, David also asks God to judge his enemies. He talks about the chaos and wickedness they have brought upon Jerusalem. He believes that these opponents are all about lies and brutality. What’s worse, one of his former allies has turned against him. David wants God to swiftly bring justice upon these enemies. In a similar way, I want Satan to lose his battle like David.

David prays with great confidence for God’s judgment to fall upon his attackers. He’s sure that the Lord will save him from defeat. When we need Him, He is there to walk with us to victory and Satan will be defeated.

David concludes the psalm by calling on everyone to put their complete trust in the Lord God. He knows from his own experience that serving God faithfully doesn’t mean life will be easy, but he also recognizes that the Lord sees the bigger picture. Amen! What is noble is difficult!

129:

These verses don’t seem to seek God’s salvation or express gratitude for an improved situation. Instead, they highlight the fleeting nature of the people’s existence in exile.

It compares the people to grass on a rooftop that quickly withers away. This image represents the poverty and landlessness of the people, who are forced to grow crops on their rooftops, yielding such meager harvests that there’s almost nothing to gather. This situation stands in stark contrast to the abundant blessings of agriculture in Israel. I think the intention or at least my thought is to convey the harsh reality of exile. (Separation from God) Another words, a life without Jesus is difficult and doesn’t yield but life with him you have the blessings. This confirms to me my renewed vow to my wife and Jesus for the remainder of my days!