January 10, 2021
SUNDAY SERMON
FROM THE PIT TO THE PINNACLE OF PRAISE
Psalm 40:1 – 3
Introduction: Facing circumstances that we cannot change can cause us to feel like we have fallen into a deep pit that we cannot climb out. Many people feel trapped in a loveless marriage with an inattentive and uncaring spouse. Others feel trapped in an unsatisfying job that offers no room for advancement. Many young mothers feel trapped by the constant needs of their little ones. Those who suffer physically often feel trapped in painful, limited bodies. Countless multitudes are slaves to the horrible memories of their pasts. Millions of people are trapped in habitual sins and addictions that they cannot conquer. Some are trapped by depression, discouragement, and despondency. In these and other situations, we often feel that we are drowning in our troubles, gradually sinking deeper and deeper into despair.
Surrounded by serious hardship, David wrote about a time when he felt trapped in a horrible pit. By recalling how God lifted him out of the mire and set him on solid ground, he found strength for his present crisis. By sharing his experience, he taught us what to do when we feel trapped and helpless.
God sets our feet on the solid Rock and brings purpose to our lives! Cry out to the LORD for help: Wait patiently for Him. Let us look at three movements that will help us in a crisis:
I.
WHEN WE’RE SINKING, GOD IS SEEKING
v. 1 – 2
A. God will hear your cry.
1. We can be sure God is aware of our need.
2. Nothing escapes God’s view, and He is not taken by surprise.
B. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
C. The Shepherd seeks His wandering sheep (Luke 15:4).
D. Our Lord knows about the pit of miry clay.
1. He will lift you out of the slimy pit of despair & trouble.
2. He will set you on a rock.
3. Make you safe and secure.
E. God awaits the call of sinking ones.
F. He will answer and lift them up…right on time.
G. God promises a safe landing, but not a calm passage.
H. God sets our feet on the Solid Rock and brings purpose to our lives.
II.
WHEN WE’VE BEEN SAVED, GOD GIVES A SONG
v. 3a
(From The Mire To The Choir)
A. “And he hath put a new song in my mouth.”
1. It is not a sorrowful song.
2. It is a song of praise.
B. It is praised for answered prayer.
C. It is praise for being lifted out of a horrible pit.
D. It is praise for escaping the miry clay.
E. It is praise for being set on the Solid Rock.
F. It is praised for a new life built on the Promises of God.
III.
WHEN WE START PRAISING, PEOPLE START PRAYING
v. 3b
A. “Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”
B. God will use your testimony to stir others to trust the LORD.
C. Praising saints make praying sinners.
1. Praise proves the reality of our faith.
2. Praise demonstrates the power of God’s love and grace.
D. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD” (v. 3b).
1. Those in pits of miry clay long to be lifted to safety.
2. They want something solid on which to build their lives.
3. They long to place their feet on the Solid Rock.
E. Pouting Christians are poor representatives of their Lord.
F. Praising Christians are missionaries whenever they go.
A. HAVE YOU BEEN LIFTED FROM THE PIT OF SIN?
B. HAS JESUS FILLED YOUR HEART WITH SONGS OF JOY?
C. PRAISE TO WELCOME OTHERS INTO THE FELLOWSHIP OF PRAISE?
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