What does Psalm 40:16 mean?
More than desiring the defeat and disgrace of his enemies, David wanted the Lord's people to celebrate His love and give Him praise. Rather than focusing on worldliness, revenge, or self-pity, God's truth leads people to joy (Psalm 33:1; 118:24). It has been said that religion which wears graveclothes should be buried. The Lord's people should be the most joyful people on earth. The Lord has given us good reason to rejoice and be glad in Him. For those who accept Him (John 3:16–18), He has forgiven our sins, set us free from slavery to sin, promised to be with us always, and has assured us of a home in heaven (Romans 8:18).An awareness of all that the Lord has done for us, is doing for us, and will yet do for us should cause us to proclaim, as David did, "Great is the Lord!" We should follow Mary's example when she exclaimed during her visit with Elizabeth, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46–47).