Psalm 40: Hitting The Wall – Again – Grace on Parade Psalms Study

This week, our online Bible study of the Psalms will take a look at Psalm 40.

Beginning Thought: “What have I done to deserve this?” Have you ever felt that way?

Read Psalm 40

Has David the writer experienced God’s help in the past? Look at v. 1-4. What four ways has God helped David?

Have you ever been in what felt like a pit of despair? How did God rescue you? What new song did God put in your heart?

I love verses 4 and 5. How does David praise God in these verses?

Look at verse 6. In the Jewish tradition, the Israelites expressed their worship of God by bringing a lamb to be sacrificed on the alter. What’s the downside of such worship? What do Christians do today that is parallel to an outward sacrifice? According to verse 8, what does God desire far more than outward, tradition bound actions?

From verse 9 on, David gets to the heart of his concerns. According to verses 9 and 10, what kind of life has he tried to live? What is his concern in verses 11-17? What is David up against?

How might non-believers take advantage of us when we make mistakes or suffer the consequences of our own bad choices? What example does v 16-17 give us to do when we face such opposition?

In the span of your life, has life become tougher or smoother? Has life been more difficult or easier since you became a Christ follower? How has your attitude and ability to handle difficulties changed? How do you identify with the writer of Psalm 40?

When we yield ourselves to God, troubles in life can make us stronger and more humble. How do you see that in David’s reflections? Is that true in your onw life?