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Waiting for Deliverance

Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me;
let your steadfast love and
your faithfulness keep me safe forever.
(From Psalm 40)

The psalm composer and U2 have something in common.

King David, Psalm 40's author, describes deliverance from trouble, set on firm ground, do providing a reason to praise the Lord for steadfast love and faithfulness.

This salvation experience gives David a “new song" of praise telling of the Lord’s goodness hoping it leads others to trust in God’s salvation.

The Irish rock band U2, on their 1985 album “War”, included a song called “40,” roughly based Psalm 40:1-3.

The song begins as the singer waits patiently for the Lord's deliverance described as hearing the plea for help, being rescued, and set on solid ground. 

A miraculous turnaround and transformation occurred in the singer's life enabling him to sing positively instead of in grief. 

Each verse concludes with the refrain: "I will sing, sing a new song".

In the final, not part of psalm 40, refrain asks:
 
"How long, how long, how long, 
How long, to sing this song".

The setting here is not a personal trouble such as King David's, rather the "Troubles" in Ireland.

Both songs focus on the Lord's steadfast love and faithfulness, but U2 recognizes the possibility of violence ahead, yet the Lord will be with them as they endure it.

Nellie's story tells of trust in God's love and faithfulness. I first met Nellie at age 93 and in church every Sunday. I called on her in her trailer where she shared her family's background. In addition to her heart condition, her son had been killed in an auto accident. Her husband died years ago leaving her struggling financially and maintaining her mobil home. 

After hearing her situation, I asked Nellie what kept her going.

She replied, "I read my Bible every day."

What life story can you tell of the Lord's love and faithfulness?


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