Lifted Up!
When we lived in eastern North Carolina we experienced numerous storms that caused flooding. The city we lived in was at ten feet of elevation, and on the confluence of two rivers, so the area was very susceptible to flooding from any sort of rain event. In preparation for those potential high rain events, particularly hurricanes, one of the important steps needed was to put anything in low lying places up on higher ground. Lawn furniture was either brought inside or put on raised decks. Due to the low-lying elevation, homes do not have basements. Therefore, to avoid water damage in first (ground) floor living areas, furniture was put up on blocks and items sitting on the floor put on countertops or shelves. You could say that anything in a low place was lifted up to some place higher. Things were safer and more secure in those higher places.
From time to time, in life, we find ourselves in low places, in a valley. All we see are the mountains all around us or the once lush riverbed that has all but dried up. In those low places we are more susceptible to being swept away by flood waters. If we are not swept away, we find ourselves standing in mud and muck. And mud, it is slippery and it is sticky. If we fall into a pit where the walls and bottom are mud, it is difficult to climb out. You ever been there? I have.
Let’s look at these words of King David, found in Psalm 40 – “I waited patiently for the LORD he turned to me and heard my cry. 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” (vv.1-2).
I so often write about waiting on God. Waiting on Him is not a passive ho-hum kind of waiting. Instead, it is intently waiting, attuning your heart to Him. It is waiting expectantly.
Turned to me seems to imply that God purposefully bent down toward David, not just to listen but also to reach out His hand to lift David up out of his current low place (slimy pit, mud, mire) with the purpose of securing David’s footing (rock, firm place).
Waiting on God is also trusting in Him completely – “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods [run after lies]” (vv.3-4).
Notice that sandwiched in the middle of those four verses, we are told that David’s faith and patient waiting (v.1), along with God’s deliverance (v.2), is an effective testimony (v.3), inspiring others to see (perceive), fear (reverence) and trust (assurance) in the Lord. And in v.4, David declares that happiness (blessing) comes when we trust in God and do not bend toward empty blusterers (proud) and those who engage in lies (false gods, deception).
If you are like me, when I find myself in the low places, in the pit, standing in the mud, you want out hurriedly. I am not a patient person; I want to quickly climb out, shower off, and run to the lush green pastures. (God leads us there as well; Psalm 23). But I’ve found when I cry out to God and wait upon Him, in my moments of deep distress, that He has lifted me up, time and time again. He will do the same for you!
