Psalm 40 || A prayer for Hong Kong
In Psalm 40 of the Bible, the man after God’s own heart was feeling weary and tired in his season of waiting. David described his situation as a “desolate pit”. He cried out to God, begging God to come quickly, to help him, save him.
Here in Hong Kong, an onslaught of Covid infections has dealt our city a heavy blow. As we strive for survival and peace, seeking it out like Marco Polo, I’m sure many of us can relate to David right now. Perhaps like David, you also feel like you’ve lost your footing and fallen into a desolate pit, waiting for God to rescue you, rescue Hong Kong. If that’s you (because it’s certainly me), Psalm 40 offers us a picture of hope and a guide on how to wait better.
In the first few sentences of this little song of praise that David wrote, he tells us that he “waited patiently”. And in its original Hebrew translation, waited and patiently are actually the same word (qawa) used twice in succession to mean “look with eager expectation”.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.
2 He brought me up from a desolate pit,out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.
Despite his distress, David looked to God eagerly, anticipating His deliverance. He goes to praise God and proclaim His goodness even while waiting. And his faithfulness was certainly rewarded: God heard his cry, turned to him and lifted him out from the pit.
4 Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us — none can compare to You — if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.
In a world where almost everything we want is quickly accessible at the tip of our fingertips on digital screens, waiting is incredibly difficult. Everything in our world pushes us to rush, but God knows exactly how long it will take to accomplish what He has in mind. He is never in a hurry, and always arrives at the perfect time. Our Heavenly Father isn’t a silent, inactive God. He cares about you, about Hong Kong. The same God who rescued David will rescue you too.
So I pray that even when it feels like one punch after another and it’s hard to keep on going, we will wait like David, trusting in God to do wonders for our city. Keep worshipping, keep trusting, keep praying. The same God who rescued David will rescue us too.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay blessed. 🤍
16 May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”
17 But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
