"I've always dreamed of being an old philosopher. So far I've achieved one out of two!"

When we help someone, we lift a load or provide a remedy. What are some areas in which you sometimes feel overwhelmed and would be relieved if someone provided such help?

Read Psalm 40. What past, present, and future attitudes and situations does the Psalmist refer to?

• Past: Attitude & Situation
• Present: Attitude & Situation
• Future: Attitude & Situation

Review verses 1-4. Picture yourself falling into a deep pit with slimy walls. How would you feel and what would you do?

In what ways do the analogies of mud and mire, then a rock and a firm place describe some of life’s situations?

Verse 5. What stands out to you, and why?

Verses 6-10. Why might sacrifices and offerings be something God does not want?

Read Hebrews 10:3-7, 10. What new meanings does this passage add to David’s psalm?

Psalm 40:6-10. What is revealed about David’s relationship to God?

Verses 6, 8-10, 12. What is David saying about true righteousness?

Compare the innumerable things in verse 12 and then in verse 5. What wisdom can you glean from the comparison?

Verses 13-16. What six things does David pray for? Should we pray for the same?

Verses 10 and 12. Consider your strengths and weaknesses and ways you would like to be a better person. Where would you like God’s help? In what ways?

My Strengths:

 

 

My weaknesses:

 

 

Help needed to be better:

 

 

Verse 17 is a summary of the themes in this psalm. What phrase in this entire psalm means the most to you? What would you like to do about it?