7 February 2010

Text: Psalm 40

“I WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD”

(I) LIVING IN TOUGH TIMES

1. Surrounded by evil

“For innumerable evils have surrounded me” Psalm 40:12a

a) People who sought to destroy him (Psalm 40:14a)

b) People who wished him evil (Psalm 40:14b)

c) People who taunt him (Psalm 40:15)

2. Sinking in sin

“My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up
They are more than the hairs of my head” Psalm 40:12b

(II) LEARNING TO WAIT ON THE LORD IN TOUGH TIMES

1. Learning how to be Patient

“I waited patiently for the LORD…” Psalm 40:1a

2. Learning how have a Profound trust in God

“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalm 40:4

3. Learning to Pray humbly

“But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me.
You are my help and my deliverer.
Do not delay, O my God.” Psalm 40:17

4. Learning to Praise

“He has put a new song in my mouth- Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD” Psalm 40:3

(III) LEARNING FROM THE MESSIAH

1. Training the mind to dwell on the wonderful works of God

“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done” Psalm 40:5a

2. Training the mind to dwell on the wonderful thoughts of God

“And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order;
They are more than can be numbered” Psalm 40:5b

3. Delighting to do God’s will

“I delight to do Your will, O my God,
and Your law is within my heart” Psalm 40:8

4. Determining to proclaim the good news

“I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly;
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know.” Psalm 40:9