SERMON NOTES

PSALM 40:1-5, 9-17 (NLT)
(1) I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. (2) He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. (3) He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. (4) Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. (5) O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them…9I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. (10) I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness. (11) Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. (12) For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. (13) Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (14) May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. (15) Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!” (16) But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” (17) As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.

GOD IS GOOD AND HE HELPS ME

• He will rescue you. He puts you solid ground, He lifts you up and out of the pit of despair, reigniting hope and reestablishing your life. This is the promise of our Lord and God.
• We need to be reminded of the goodness of God time and time again.

I HAVE TOLD OF GOD’S GOODNESS

• The most loving thing for me to do is to make sure other people know about God’s goodness too!
• Don’t keep the goodness and beauty and glory of God to yourself — share it, share of His unfailing love to the world around you.
• Why overidentify with some kinds of things but shy away from the One who picks us up out of the pit of despair and puts us on steady ground?

GOD IS GOOD AND I STILL NEED HELP

• I cannot save myself, I need a Savior, and thank God that Jesus is on my side.
• Our witness isn’t disqualified. 

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. How has God helped you out of the ‘pit of despair’ or how are you hoping to get out soon?
2. What makes it easy or challenging for you to talk about Jesus with others?
3. What are you still hoping for when it comes to your relationship with God?

SERMON AUDIO