Week 3 – Day 16 (Saturday)

Psalm 40:1-3 – Take Courage!

Today’s psalm highlights the caring actions of God. God hears our cry, lifts us up, establishes us on a firm foundation, and puts a new song in our mouths. God actively engages in the lives of His people! We also have a part to play, which is to put our trust in Him (vs. 3).

This give-and-take relationship is most clearly illustrated in the account of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus sends the disciples ahead of Him on a midnight boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. He plans to follow later because He needs some alone time with His Heavenly Father. As they reach the middle of the sea, they are battered by wind and waves, and through the darkness of night, Jesus comes to them walking on the water! Scripture tells us that the disciples were terrified, believing it was a ghost, and they cried out in fear. Jesus’ response, “Take courage…”. The role of the disciples is to be one of action.

Today’s psalm speaks of God’s engagement in the life of those who trust Him. Generations later, God the Son follows suit with an outstretched hand and rescues those who follow His command, “Take courage!” (vs. 27) Take it! Grab it! Hold it! Trust!

The Lord hears the cries of His people. There is no need to be afraid. Take courage!