Bible Study Notes 6/3/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 12

3 June 2025

Lesson 12, Psalm 40:1-17: This is a psalm that describes an earlier period in David’s life. The psalm reveals David is constantly confronted with a perilous situation, yet he is confident God can and will deliver him from his trials.  These intense moments likely came during a dozen or so years David was pursued by King Saul.  He was often faced with near death encounters, but David did not hesitate to plead for God’s protection. As often with psalms attributed to David, there is always confidence in expressing praise for the presence and assurance of God. Yet praise is more than outward expression. It is our abiding trust in God’s mercy and great love for us. Our praises to God should be deeply grounded in our understanding of God’s rule in our lives. There should be more of God’s presence in our praises than we could ever contain.  This may well be why David ended Psalm 40 attesting to the honor and urgency with which he depended on God. David had been a shepherd boy accustomed to modest means. He prayed, “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.” (Psalm 40:17b, NLT).

 Verses & Explanations for Psalm 40:1-17, NLT:

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-3) – Blessed in waiting for the Lord.

(Verses 4-5) – The God who remembers His people.

(Verses 6-8) – Delight in listening intently to God.

(Verses 9-12) – Expressing Praise to God.

(Verses 13-15) – A plea for deliverance.

(Verses 16-17) – Praise and Humility.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!

1. "Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”  - Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 40:1-3, 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.

Psalm 40:4-5, NLT

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.

Psalm 40:6-8, NLT

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures:  8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written in my heart.”

Psalm 40:9-12, NLT

9 I 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.

Psalm 40:13-15, NLT

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.”

Psalm 40:16-17, NLT

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 Let the Lord keep me in His thoughts. You are my helper and my Savior.”