Message Notes

(I) THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN LIFE

1. The miry pits of life

“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay…” Psalm 40:2

2. Innumerable evils of life

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

3. Personal sins

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

(II) LESSONS LEARNED FROM MEDITATING ON THE WORKS OF GOD

1. The Works of God are a rich source of instruction

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

2. The works of God communicate the wondrous thoughts of God

“…And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5b

3. Learning from the example of the psalmist

a) Waiting upon God patiently

“I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1

b) Trusting God

“Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust…” Psalm 40:4a

c) Serving God

“Then I said, ‘Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:7-8

i) Delighting to do God’s will

ii) Keeping of God’s law in the heart

(III) HUMBLE PRAYERS

1. A Correct perspective

“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

2. Correct petitions

a) Pleading the tender mercies of God

“Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD…” Psalm 40:11a

b) Pleading the lovingkindness of God

“…Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:11b

c) Pleading for deliverance

“Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
O LORD, make haste to help me!” Psalm 40:13