Psalm 40
(1-4) I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

THE PROBLEM

In this Psalm the writer starts out in a state of "distress". We don't really know what the cause of the distress is, but I'm sure that the Psalmist would have said that he was in the "middle of difficulty".

We all have difficulties and we all should remember that no matter what the difficulty is, we have a choice to make: how to handle ourselves in the middle of the distress.

What did the Psalmist do?

THE SOLUTION

The writer of this Psalm brought his distress to the Lord and left it there! How often to do we "call on the Lord" and then "hang up" before we get an answer and try to fix it ourselves? The Psalmist didn't do that - he waited patiently for the Lord.

What does it mean to "wait"? The Hewbrew word conveys an eager anticipation and expectation. This man in distress didn't pray and then go on about his day and he didn't pray and lay down in depression.

This writer expected an answer from God and he waited patiently for it!

THE RESULTS

The Lord heard his cry and took action on his behalf.

Not only does God set the writer's feet on a rock, the Lord gave him a new song and a new attitude!

THE CONCLUSION

I could end this by writing about my experiences, or the experiences of others I know - but I'll just use this Psalm writer as the best example.

There is opportunity in every experience, especially difficulties. The world says, "when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade."

God says, "when the world gives you lemons - cry out to ME!" When we are in the midst of turmoil, trial and dispair, what God wants us to do is to take that opportunity - to cry out to Him.

Sometimes the trouble we have is brought on by our own choices, other times it's brought on by others...sometimes we are allowed to suffer in order to bring us to our knees and to God. In all of these things, keep centered on God, pray and wait.

THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.