Psalm 40
The Delight of Trusting in God's Salvation
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Intro
Psalm 40 is a psalm of David, expressing his gratitude for God's salvation and deliverance. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's salvation plan. We will explore the themes of patient waiting, obedient surrender, and heartfelt praise.
Section 1: Patient Waiting and Deliverance (vs 1-5)
"I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock and made my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to falsehood. Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's testimony of patient waiting and the assurance of God's attentive ear to his cry.
The imagery of being rescued from a slimy pit and experiencing the security and stability of standing on a rock.
The response of praise and the proclamation of God's wonders and faithfulness.
Harmony: Hebrews 10:36, "You need to persevere, so that after you have done God’s will, you will receive what He has promised."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's experience of patient waiting and deliverance encourage you to persevere in your own faith journey?
In what ways can we trust in God's faithfulness even when we find ourselves in challenging and difficult circumstances?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate deliverer, provide us with hope and assurance of being lifted out of the miry clay of sin and establishing us on the firm foundation of His grace?
Section 2: Obedient Surrender and Delight in God's Will (vs 6-10)
"Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.' I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not seal my lips, as You know, O LORD. I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about Your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal Your loving devotion and truth from the great assembly."
Talking Points:
The recognition that God desires obedient surrender and a heart aligned with His will rather than external religious rituals.
The psalmist's delight in doing God's will and the presence of God's law within his heart.
The bold proclamation of God's righteousness, faithfulness, salvation, loving devotion, and truth to the assembly.
Harmony: Hebrews 10:7, "Then I said, 'Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's attitude of obedient surrender and delight in God's will challenge your own understanding of faith and religious practices?
In what ways can we align our hearts with God's will and cultivate a delight in doing His purposes?
How does Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God's will, inspire us to boldly proclaim God's righteousness and salvation to others?
Section 3: Heartfelt Dependence on God (vs 11-17)
"Do not withhold Your mercy from me, O LORD; may Your loving devotion and truth always protect me. For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage has forsaken me. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me. Let those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; let those who wish me harm be driven back and humiliated. Let those who say to me, 'Aha, aha!' be appalled because of their shame. But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'The LORD be exalted!' Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and deliverer; O my God, do not delay."
Talking Points:
The plea for God's mercy, loving devotion, and truth to protect and deliver the psalmist from his troubles.
The acknowledgment of personal sin and the overwhelming nature of the challenges faced.
The expression of dependence on God's help and deliverance, along with the desire for the vindication of those who seek God and the shame of the psalmist's enemies.
Harmony: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's cry for mercy and dependence on God resonate with your own experiences of facing challenges and difficulties?
In what ways can we find comfort and strength in knowing that God is our help and deliverer in times of need?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate source of mercy and deliverance, provide us with hope and assurance that He will not delay in coming to our aid?
Summary
Psalm 40, interpreted through a New Covenant, Christ-focused perspective, is a profound prophetic narrative that reflects both the suffering and the deliverance that Jesus Christ embodies.
David's description of being lifted out of the pit of destruction mirrors our salvation through Christ, who redeems us from the pit of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).
The psalmist's delight in God's law and his proclamation of God's righteousness in the great assembly foreshadow Christ's mission: He embodies God's law (Matthew 5:17), and is the Righteous One who publicly declares the Father's will (John 17:25-26).
The portrayal of the psalmist's afflictions and sins overwhelming him prophetically echo Christ's vicarious suffering and bearing of our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24).
The plea for God's mercy and deliverance anticipates the resurrection, through which Christ was delivered from death (Acts 2:24).
In all these ways, Psalm 40 points toward the saving work of Christ, highlighting our need for His deliverance and His righteousness.