Victory Dance

Psalm 40

“The apostle, Paul, feels himself unable to celebrate, in a proper  manner, the goodness of God, and desires that the contemplation of it   would occupy the minds of men till they are entirely lost in   admiration.”

Those words were written by John Calvin in response to his observances of the apostle, Paul.  It makes me wonder what becoming entirely lost in admiration of God would look like.  What would it feel like?  What would my response be?  I’m hoping, that it would be a celebration.  And, just like Paul, I don’t think that my celebration would be adequate.

When I read Psalm 40, I hear celebration.  It comes from a man who has been saved from all manner of impossibilities.  But there is something special about his celebration.  He realizes, without a doubt that his rescue, his salvation, and his now success were not his own doing.  Rather, they were bestowed upon him.  This calls out a special kind of celebration.  As you read the Psalm, it sounds a lot like praise.

Did you notice that this Psalmist’s praise cannot be contained?  While he speaks to God of how great he is, the love in his heart cannot be contained there.  He also tells the world, unrestrained.  I’m beginning to think that this is what it looks like to be “entirely lost in admiration,” of God.

Let us spend some time, today celebrating the goodness of God.  May we allow it to occupy our minds until we are also entirely lost in admiration.


Calvin, John (2011-11-15). Calvin’s Complete Bible Commentaries (With Active Table of Contents in Biblical Order) (Kindle Locations 470583-470584).  . Kindle Edition.