Day 36 - The New You (Psalm 40)

God has made the first move, but I must respond.

God offers a friendship. Just like any healthy friendship, I have to make some effort too.

God is the "strong one" in this relationship, and His commitment to me is certain and clear.

It is my commitment level that comes and goes.

Today, the reading in Psalm 40 shows some of the effort that David makes in his pursuit of God.

Even as the song starts out, "I waited patiently for the Lord..." How many people today are doing that? How many times do I just focus my thoughts and begin to pray, and wait on God for something...

It's healthy to remember that God doesn't operate on my time schedule.

It's also healthy and right to remember that God is worth waiting for, however long it takes.

Unfortunately, most people expect God to serve up answers to prayer and serve them "your way" just like a Whopper Jr. at a drive-thru Burger King. And, if God isn't giving answers when we want them or how we want them, we turn to other things to make us happy..

Look at the attitude David takes while waiting... Verses 7-8 have him saying things like... "Here I am (Lord)... I desire to do your will, O My God... your law is within my heart..."

Sounds like David is serious about pursuing a deeper relationship here...

"Here I am..." (willing to make yourself available, honest, and ready for whatever God might want to do in your life...

"I desire to do your will..." (sounds like the words of Jesus in the all-famous "Lord's prayer" - "your kingdom come, your will be done..." - am I willing to ask for, pray for, and make myself available for God's will and purposes here on earth?)

"your law is within my heart..." (David has transformed his heart and mind by reading, memorizing, studying, and reflecting on God's word - the Bible. If you're serious about being close with God, why would you NOT read His words to you?)

Dear God, please help me pursue you with the humble heart of David. Teach me to WAIT for you... to be patient... to continue to seek your presence, your will in my life, and your guidance through the truth in Scripture. Thank you for always making the first move - for pursuing me through my life, my circumstances, my friends - and through the Bible. You have made your desires and love very clear. Help me to continue to pursue you personally through prayer...