The Appropriate Response to God’s Work in Your Life is to Take Joy in Doing His Will

Bible Passage:  Psalm 40:1-10

I. The psalmist was in a messy-situation for a significant period of time

1. The words “cry,” “slimy pit (lowest level),” “mud” and “miry clay,” [figurative] convey that the psalmist suffered loneliness, helplessness, rejection, and instability
2. “Waited-waited” (infinitive construct) informs that the unpleasant situation lasted for a prolonged period
3. Though situation appears to have worsened, he did not cease to wait for God
4. He did not resort to his own method of coming out, but kept “crying” (cry of anguish for not receiving an answer) to God (nor given up)

II. At the appropriate time, God reaches out to the psalmist who was in a helpless situation and places him in a stable place

1. The word conveys someone “jumping into” or “go up” to rescue a person
2. The word “cleft of a rock” is used figuratively to mean “stability”
3. The psalmist’s situation changed from instability to stability

III. The psalm teaches that God alone is the source of help in time of trouble (verse 4)

1. Blessed is the one who does not look to any human source
2. Blessed is the one who does not look to any material that cannot save

IV. The psalmist teaches that God has plans for those who trust Him (verse 5; vs. Jeremiah 29:11)

1. The psalmist responds to God in two ways

(a) Renewed dedication to God (vv. 6-10)
(a1) The heart of God is not one’s religious rituals or the routine work (verse 6)
(a2) Dedication to God is to know what pleases Him (verse 7)

– He list them in the following verses
– Commitment to share his testimony to others
– Obedience is the real sacrifice and response to God’s goodness

2. Jesus is the model for obedience (cf. Hebrews 10:5-7) [this is a messianic psalm]

Take Away

Share your testimony to others