Perhaps this should be titled, “The way of the cross leads home,” the title of an old hymn. Psalms 38, 39, 40, and 41 are similar in theme. David is reporting a past event; the Lord’s forgiveness of sin committed and the persecution that followed, just as in the other three psalms. The events he is narrating in all four psalms are not the same. Though each time he does not specify the sin, the different circumstances are similar.
David begins this psalm by describing his patience with the Lord, whereas in the previous psalm, his patience had dried up quickly. Patience is an essential part of a relationship with God. Every believer must learn patience. Without pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance patience cannot exist. Whether self-inflicted as in David’s case here, or from an external cause or person patience is taught because it is required; a fruit of the Spirit.
James, the brother of Jesus wrote, “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:7-11)
