Psalm 40 (39):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I would not venture to change love and fear if I were not certain of forgiveness; I would not strive to obey the commandments were it not for the assurance of Your promise. I strive because You are good; I strive because You are just. I embrace the Good and revere the Just. Love and fear guide my actions, for Your mercy and truth have consistently welcomed me.

O Lord, do not withdraw Your grace from me. After Christ revealed the mystery of building His house, the Israelites, who remained steeped in disbelief, are highlighted. Just as one who had doubted divine mercy, consequently enduring scorn and various misfortunes, turns to repentance and pleads for Your blessings. The calling of the Israelites in the latter days is also foretold. Your compassion and truth shall guide me. We acknowledge that You are the One who has rescued and shielded us from ancient times. The Church, having received salvation, again seeks Your intercession amid the numerous assaults from humans and evil spirits, as He alludes to in the subsequent words.

Having received salvation, the Church of God continually requires the same attention due to various human and demonic insurrections, as the Prophet expresses in the following words.

But you, O Lord, do not withdraw your grace from me. These words, along with those that follow, are uttered on behalf of the entire Christian congregation, voicing a plea to God that they be not deprived of the grace of holy baptism in the days to come, particularly as they grapple with tribulations and numerous trials imposed by humanity and malevolent spirits. Some interpret that these words are offered on behalf of those Jews who remain in disbelief, imploring God not to withdraw His blessings, which signifies their eventual calling in the latter days.

The Divine Incarnation and Resurrection convey that human nature, marred by sinful actions, is redeemed through the sacred act of becoming flesh. Furthermore, it is through the grace of the anticipated resurrection that He is exalted at the Father’s right hand, from which He will return to judge both the living and the deceased.

There are four key reasons for discussing matters related to the salvation of the soul. First, it is the freedom—the tranquility of the soul—which has achieved a natural contemplation of creation through diligent effort and subsequently delved into the depths of theology. Second, arising from heartfelt tears and fervent prayer, is the purity of thought that gives rise to the word of grace, from which rivers of salvific understanding emerge. The third reason is the presence of the Holy Trinity within us, from Whom flows the light of the Spirit for the benefit of all who are cleansed, facilitating the revelation of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven and the uncovering of God's hidden treasures within the soul.

In this context, it becomes evident that David expresses his gratitude with the intention of maintaining God’s favor in his life, as previously mentioned. He lifts his voice in song to offer praise to God, seeking to attract His abundant blessings, which would otherwise be barred by a heart of ingratitude. Thus, it is important to highlight David’s assertion: I will not restrain my mouth. David chooses not to remain silent, for he understands that doing so may result in God withholding His mercies from him. This teaches us that God’s goodness is perpetually available to us and will flow abundantly like an endless spring, provided that our lack of gratitude does not hinder its outpouring.