Psalm 40, 42/43

Psalm 40

I have a tendency to live in a hurry.

We often have to wait on God. If we don’t wait, we often mess things up.

God moves at the speed of love

We wait on rescue, help, answers, wisdom, healing, salvation, reconciliation, provision, etc

What do we do while we wait?

(1) While we wait, abide.

(1, 13-17)

be with Him

gratitude

confess

still in His presence; listen for His whisper

Psalm 62:1–8 (NLT) — 1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. 3 So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. 4 They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude

(2) While we wait, focus.

(vs 2; 4-12)

focus on gratitude toward God

…not on your sin

…not on pain

…not on your

focus on what you CAN do

work diligently at last thing he told you to do;

“pray like it depends on Him and work like it depends on you.” mark batterson

tell others about his past faithfulness (vs 9)

don’t get distracted being busy, be purposeful

Focus on His faithfulness and your faithfulness, or you’ll lose confidence.

(3) While we wait, worship.

(vs 3)

new song of praise…what have you learned about God recently that you can give praise for.

Illus: sign the card; song on your heart that morning.

waiting can feel like a desert.

…even if it feel pointless, it’ll point you in the right direction.

...it will work on your heart and bring joy

illus: I hate being misunderstood; it feels helpless

Psalm 42-43

Waiting can produce worry or contentment. Worship helps us grow in contentment.

Waiting on God to hurry creates discontent, worship creates contentment.

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily:

Help me to know more of the joy that comes from knowing you. Grant me joy in Jesus, joy in being your child, and joy in knowing that you are always with me. I ask you to pour out Your unfailing love upon me, as I sing songs of love toward you. May I find hope in your word as I wait for the You. May my heart wait focused on You. May I live for you even while I wait. Help me to obey and remain faithful, no matter how long I am in this place of waiting. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

Read Psalm 40. The message was about waiting with the Lord no matter what we are waiting to see occur. What did this Psalm teach you about God? What was one main take-a-way from the message? How would you describe the difference between being faithful and being aimlessly busy? What are some ways we can keep our courage strong while we wait? Read Psalm 42 & Psalm 43. What do you notice in these passages? How does worship helps us while we wait?