PSALM 40

CONSIDER

• David remembered all the God had done for him, and found freedom to cry out for new mercies

• He recognized God’s mercy as He ‘lifted him out of the slimy pit’

• God intervened and David praised Him for all He had done  <R1795>

• What a privilege to stand with David and praise God for delivering us in our need  

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** God hears us when we ask of Him anything according to His will

1 John 5:14-15 NIV

[14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us---whatever we ask---we know that we have what we asked of him.

Psalm 40:1 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

** Recognize there is only one way out of the pit, first recognize God and ask Him to forgive your sin before asking for His help  <C31>

• David was in the pit; his sin and failures were overwhelming him

• He could not see any hope but looked to God; the only light he saw was God

• David recognized his sin and asked for God's love and mercy, knowing He alone could help in his time of need

Psalm 40:1-2 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

• Likewise, we are all in the pit like David because our sin has separated everyone from God

• We need forgiveness of sin

• God already started to provide this 'relief' for us by coming to earth in the eventual plan of dying to meet our need for salvation

** The temptation of man is to ‘run the other way’ when faced with trials but God wants us to turn to Him during these times of struggle

• The world may see this as being hypocritical because it appears that Christians are simply ‘putting on a good face’ when they are really exercising faith  

• The real hypocrisy occurs when Christians claim to know Christ but then act on their own selfish desires  <D40>

Psalm 40:1-4 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. [4] Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 4:3 NIV

[3] What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Psalm 20:7 NIV

[7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

** This is exactly what we need to do when confused about things happening around us: go somewhere quiet, put our full attention on the Lord and ask Him to help us work through things that are confusing or distressing  <D497>

• Not only did Habakkuk voice his concerns to God, but he also waited until God provided an answer

• Now, in our prayer life, do we take the opportunity to wait for God’s answer?

• Or, do we just spew forth all of the things on our mind, say “amen” and race off?

• Do you think it is possible that sometimes God might just want us to remain engaged in silent prayer so that He may answer the cry of our heart?

Habakkuk 2:1 NIV

[1] I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

Psalm 27:14 NIV

[14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 40:1 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

• Habakkuk was determined to go up on the tower and remain on the tower (figurative or literal) until he heard what the Lord was going to say to him

• God seldom speaks and neither can we hear until we are silent, still and attentive

• We can be assured God will reveal the truth of the matter to us

Habakkuk 2:3 NIV

[3] For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

** God is the one and only God — none can compare or reverse His will!

Isaiah 43:10-13 NIV

[10] “You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. [11] I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. [12] I have revealed and saved and proclaimed---I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “that I am God. [13] Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Psalm 40:5 NIV

[5] Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Isaiah 40:18,21-23,25-26 NIV

[18] With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? [21] Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? [22] He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. [23] He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. [25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. [26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

** David knew God does not want empty religion; sacrifices without a repentant heart means nothing to God  

Psalm 40:6-8 NIV

[6] Sacrifice and offering you did not desire---but my ears you have opened---burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. [7] Then I said, “Here I am, I have come---it is written about me in the scroll. [8] I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

• During David's time there were a lot of rules but David knew the inner condition is more important than the adherence of rules

• We can maintain a healthy inner life by accepting God’s offer of salvation and living according to His commands

• Jesus came in order to be the perfect sacrifice so we can have freedom from sin and relationship with God

• Jesus sacrifice eliminated the need for continual sacrifice of animals etc  <C31>

Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV

[5] Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; [6] with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. [7] Then I said, ‘Here I am---it is written about me in the scroll---I have come to do your will, my God.’ ”

** Recognize and proclaim the goodness of God, then let others know of His sacrifice — coming to earth and eventually taking on our sin at the cross

• Christmas is too good a message not to share

• The lost need to hear about God's mercy and love; it is our responsibility as children of God

• Salvation was too good for David to hide; when he met with God's people he had to praise God

• Look for God's work among us and act out of a thankful heart; celebrate all that God has done!  <C31>

Psalm 40:9-10 NIV

[9] I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. [10] I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.