The Attitude in Worship

Waiting with Expectation: The Heart of Worship

Bible Passage: Psalm 40:1-11

Summary: In this Psalm, David expresses his deep reliance on the Lord, illustrating the attitude of waiting patiently for God's intervention, and highlighting the importance of worship rooted in humility and gratitude.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to cultivate a posture of patience and trust in God, especially in times of waiting or uncertainty. It urges believers to reflect on their worship and its alignment with a heart that recognizes God's past faithfulness and present goodness.

Teaching: The sermon emphasizes the significance of being attentive and responsive to God in worship, showcasing that genuine worship stems from a heart transformed by experiencing God's deliverance and mercy.

How this passage could point to Christ: David's cry for help and his response in worship point to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of all our longings and needs, as He embodies the perfect response to suffering through His life, death, and resurrection.

Big Idea: Genuine worship requires patient waiting and heartfelt gratitude for God's past deliverance, anticipating His future work in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on this Psalm, consider exploring the Hebrew nuances of 'waiting' and 'patiently,' which may provide insight into David's emotional state and expectation of God's action. Look into commentaries in Logos that discuss the historical context of David's life, as well as theological discussions on the nature of worship as a response to God's character and works.

1. Patiently Persevere in Prayer

Psalm 40:1-3

Perhaps in this sermon point, you could emphasize how waiting patiently upon the Lord is an act of worship, reflecting a heart committed to trusting God's timing. Consider how David's cry for help found a response, and similarly, our cries are heard by God. Point to Christ as the One who patiently endured on our behalf and teaches us to wait with expectation. This point encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and timing, fostering patience and humility in our spiritual journey.

2. Perceive His Promised Work

Psalm 40:4-5

You might suggest that recognizing the blessings and wonders of God leads us to a heart of true worship. By acknowledging God’s past actions and expressing gratitude, believers can deepen their trust and reliance on Him. Christ as the source of all blessings should be highlighted, encouraging the congregation to see Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promises. This point calls for an attitude of thanksgiving and widening our vision to see God's handiwork in our lives.

3. Prioritize Obedience Over Offering

Psalm 40:6-8

Maybe this sermon point could explore the importance of obedience over sacrifice in our worship. Relate David's words to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's will through His sacrifice. Encourage believers to align their worship with obedience, as Jesus did, reflecting a heart transformed by God's deliverance. Instead of offering mere rituals, genuine worship involves submitting to God's purposes for our lives, which mirrors Christ's example.

4. Proclaim His Persistent Truth

Psalm 40:9-11

Consider how proclaiming God's righteousness and salvation is an essential aspect of worship. David did not keep God’s actions to himself, and this exuberance is fulfilled perfectly in Christ, who proclaimed the Kingdom of God. Encourage the congregation to openly share their testimonies of God’s goodness, serving as a witness to His faithfulness. This point underscores the importance of declaring God’s truth boldly as an act of worship and testimony.