Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 40
Pastor Clark Pfaff

Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. (2 Samuel 23:20a, NIV)

He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. (2 Samuel 23:20b, NIV)

Key Point: Praise God for All He’s Done.

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 rockand 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 Lordand put their trust in him.⁴ Blessed is the onewho trusts in the Lord,who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.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.(Psalm 40:1-5, NIV)

Key Point: Give God All He Asks.

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 scroll⁸ I desire to do your will, my God;your law is within my heart.”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 faithfulnessfrom the great assembly.(Psalm 40:6-10, NIV)

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:  your burnt offerings and sacrificesor your obedience to his voice?Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.(1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)

Key Point: Trust God in All Things.

¹¹ Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.¹² For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.¹³ Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me.¹⁴ May all who want to take my lifebe put to shame and confusion;may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.¹⁵ May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame.¹⁶ But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;may those who long for your saving help always say,“The Lord is great!”¹⁷ But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me.You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:11-17, NIV)