John Calvin Commentary Psalms 40:1

"I waited patiently for Jehovah; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." — Psalms 40:1 (ASV)

In waiting I waited. The beginning of this psalm is an expression of thanksgiving, in which David relates that he had been delivered not only from danger but also from present death. Some are of the opinion, but without good reason, that it should be understood as referring to sickness. It is rather to be supposed that David here includes a multitude of dangers from which he had escaped.

He had certainly been exposed more than once to the greatest danger, even of death, so that, with good reason, he might be said to have been swallowed up in the gulf of death and sunk in the miry clay. Nevertheless, it appears that his faith had still remained firm, for he did not cease to trust in God, although the long duration of the calamity had nearly exhausted his patience.

He tells us not merely that he had waited, but by the repetition of the same expression, he shows that he had been a long time in anxious suspense. Thus, in proportion as his trial was prolonged, the evidence and proof of his faith in enduring the delay with calmness and equanimity of mind became all the more apparent.

The meaning, in short, is that although God delayed His help, David’s heart did not faint or grow weary from the delay; but after he had given, as it were, sufficient proof of his patience, he was finally heard.

His example sets before us this very useful doctrine: although God may not immediately appear for our help, but rather intentionally keeps us in suspense and perplexity, we must not lose courage, since faith is not thoroughly tried except by long endurance.

The result, too, of which he speaks in terms of praise, should inspire us with increased fortitude.

God may help us more slowly than we desire. But when He seems to take no notice of our condition—or, if we might so speak, when He seems to be inactive or to sleep—this is entirely different from deceit.

For if we are enabled by the invincible strength and power of faith to endure, the fitting season of our deliverance will finally arrive.