Sermon notes

PSALM 40:1-3 (CSB) 
I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.
He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord.

In the life of the Christian, waiting is not passive but active.

Psalm 40:4-5 (CSB)
How happy is anyone who has put his trust in the Lord
and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies!
Lord my God, you have done many things—your wondrous works and your plans for us; 
none can compare with you. 
If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told.

Temptation to believe lies while we wait:

• Lies that we tell ourselves.
• Lies that others tell us.
• Lies the enemy tells us.

Remember God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 40:6-8 (CSB)
You do not delight in sacrifice and offering; you open my ears to listen.
You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.
Then I said, “See, I have come; in the scroll it is written about me.
I delight to do your will, my God, and your instruction is deep within me.”

Obey God’s Word.

Psalm 40:12 (VOICE)
Right now I can’t see because I am surrounded by troubles;
    my sins and shortcomings have caught up to me, so I am swimming in darkness.
Like the hairs on my head, there are too many to count, so my heart deserts me.

Psalm 40:9-10 (CSB)
I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; 
see, I do not keep my mouth closed—as you know, Lord.
I did not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation;
I did not conceal your constant love and truth from the great assembly.

Tell your story.

The story of this trial will become the faithfulness you cling to in the next trial.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (TLB)
What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.

Rejoice continually.

Psalm 40:16-17 (CSB)
Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation continually say,
“The Lord is great!” I am oppressed and needy; may the Lord think of me.
You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.

So while you wait, actively wait. Remember his faithfulness, obey His word, Tell your story and rejoice continually.