He Set My Feet Upon A Rock (Ps 40)

Psalm 40 tells of a man who is metaphorically stuck or even sinking hopelessly into a horrible pit of despair or discouragment. He cries out to God and God rescues him, bringing him out of the pit, and sets his feet firmly on a rock. Since that man is David, it is a reminder that such depression into the mire may be the experience of even th greatest saints or kings or preachers.

From the imagery of discouragement we can learn to deal more faithfully and steadfastly when in such trials of descent. And since we can learn of Christ and His Gospel from this Psalm, we can learn how to look to Jesus and consider Him (Heb 12:1-3) and further learn to deal more faithfully and steadfastly when in such trials of descent.

I. Joyful Testimony of God's Past Deliverance (vv1-3)
---A. David's Possible Pit
---B. David's Patient Prayer
---C. God's Condescending Deliverance
II. Present Reflection on God's Goodness (vv4-10)
---A. Recommendation of His Own Trust in God to Others (vv4-5)
---B. Statement about the Proper Relationship of a Trusting Person to God (vv6-8)
---C. A Faithful Testimony of His Trust and Praise (vv9-10)
III. Prayer for God's Deliverance in the Future (vv11-17)
---A. Recognizes Need for God (v11)
---B. Recognizes own Sin (vv12-13)
---C. Recognizes his Persecutors (vv14-15)
---D. Recognizes what he has Learned (vv16-17)