Today’s devotion comes from Psalm 40:11-17.
“11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
And my heart has failed me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
Make haste, O LORD, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together
Who seek my life to destroy it;
Let those be turned back and dishonored
Who delight in my hurt.
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The LORD be magnified!”
17 Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the LORD be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.” Psalm 40:11-17.
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We notice the humility of the Psalmist, especially be the words “Be pleased” and “Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the LORD be mindful of me.” Verses 13 and 17.
Humility led the Psalmist to trust in the LORD, rather than trust in himself, and to rejoice in “Your salvation”, that is the LORD’s salvation. Humility led the Psalmist to magnify the LORD, rather than magnify himself. Verse 16.
The humble do not trust in their works. Notice the Psalmist’s confession of his sins in verse 12.
The humble do not even trust as little as their own alleged free-will. Again, notice how the Psalmist puts his salvation in the hands of the LORD, not in the hands of his alleged free-will, by his words “Be pleased” and “Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the LORD be mindful of me.” Verses 13 and 17.
Notice that the Psalmist does not praise his own perseverance, but rather the Psalmist praises the LORD’s preservation and compassion of him.
“You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.” Verse 11.
Consider the following verses on humility.
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” James 4:6.
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:33.
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12.
“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4.
“17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear
18 To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed,
So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.” Psalm 10:17-18.
“He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.” Proverbs 25:9.
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11.
“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:11-14.
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7.
In summary, the Psalmist does not give any credit to himself but rather gives all credit and glory to the LORD for “Your salvation” and urges that others do likewise.
“Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
“The LORD be magnified!” Verse 16.
“My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.” Psalm 34:2.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 