HE LIFTED ME OUT OF THE PIT

   Psalm 40:1-3, 9-10

  Introduction:

       A.  Psalm 40 is a song of  David's heartfelt praise and was intended for congregational singing in

            the house of God.

       B.  It celebrates David's deliverance by God from adverse circumstances in his life which he describes

            as "the slimy pit."  vs. 1-2

       C.  David responds with a new song of praise to God.  v.3

       D.  David resolves to worship God in the Temple.  vs. 9-10

We need to understand that God delivers His children from the 'pit of life' and, as a result, He deserves our

obedience and praise.

   I.  The reality of  problems in life.

       A.  The optimism of young people in life's experience gives way in time to harsh realities.  Examples

  II.  We have two options:

       A.  Go it alone Jeremiah 10:23, Romans 6:23

             1.  Results

       B.  Go with God.  Ecclesiastes 12:13  God has delivered His people throughout history.

             1.  Israelites from Egyptian bondage.  Exodus 3:7-10

             2.  The Prophet Daniel from the lions' den.  Daniel 6:19-22

             3.  The Apostle Paul.  II Corinthians 6:3-10, 12:7-10

             4.  God will enable us.  Romans 8:28,31-39

  III.  We need to respond to God with obedience and praise.

        A.  Our hearts should be joyfully devoted with worship to God.

              1.  How can we not sing to one another, pray with and for one another, observe the Lord's Supper

                   with one another, encourage the teaching of God' word, and give cheerfully to God's cause with

                   gratitude in our hearts to GOD? Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, I Cor. 14:15, Acts 20:7, I Cor

                   14, I Cor. 16:2,  Rms. 12:1-2

  Conclusion:

         A.  Are you dealing with problems?  Why don't you turn them over to God and wait patiently on Him?

         B.  Then involve yourselves in wholehearted obedience  and praise to God?

  Invitation extended