“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).
I call this collection of verses my “Past, Present & Future Promise.'” It’s probably one of the most worn pages in favorite Bible. It provides me hope, causes me to look for His hand in my day and gives me a short report of His faithfulness.
Waited—past tense. Lifted—past tense. Steadied—past tense. The past is past; what we do with the experiences from it mold today. Will I remember He has heard my prayers in the past and answered in miraculous ways? Will I recall the journeys I have taken from the pits to the palaces? Will I allow my time in the mud and mire to make me appreciate green pastures and mountaintops?
Has given—present perfect tense. This He’s all around me, if I choose to look for Him. He’s in the everyday stuff, the silver lining on my cloudy days. His fingerprints are clearly evident in my waking hours and His presence is ever near me as I sleep.
Will see—future tense. Will put—future tense. My unsaved loved ones will be affected by my current trials. Those I’ve prayed for will be touched by my commitment to my Savior and His commitment to me.
I’m so encouraged by these verses. Whatever I’m currently enduring, I have the testimony of my past to push me forward. I have the promise of His working in my life to search out. The verses tell me that others will see my life (if I continue living for Him) and be drawn to my Savior.
Past, present and future—He’s all I need.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: The WNAC Executive Committee definitely needs prayer as they face decisions, not only in change of leadership, but also concerning finances.
