The historic riverwalk area of Savannah, Georgia, is paved with mismatched cobblestones. Local residents say that centuries ago the stones provided ballast for ships as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean. When cargo was loaded in Georgia, the ballast stones were no longer needed, so they were used to pave the streets near the docks. Those stones had accomplished their primary jobstabilizing the ship through dangerous waters.
The days in which we live can feel as turbulent as the high seas. Like sailing ships of old, we need stability to help us navigate our way through the storms of life. David faced danger as well, and he celebrated the character of God for providing him with stability after he had endured a desperate time. He declared, 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 (Ps. 40:2). Davids experience was one of conflict, personal failure, and family strife, yet God gave him a place to stand. So David sang a hymn of praise to our God (v. 3).
In times of difficulty, we too can look to our powerful God for the stability only He brings. His faithful care inspires us to say with David, Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us (v. 5).
Psalm 40 is a beautiful song of thanksgiving to God for His deliverance. The key to understanding and appreciating this psalm is seen in the simplicity of the opening words. David knows and celebrates the deliverance of the Lord because he waited patiently for Him (v. 1). In our times of trial and struggle, we want to be delivered quickly and in ways that are simple to see. But David reminds us that Gods deliverance comes in Gods timing. We, like David, must wait patiently for the Lord if we are to see His wonders (v. 5).