Lesson 334: Psalms 40:1
Psalms 40:1
The Blueprint — The Verse
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Psalm 40 reflects David's experience of deliverance from a desperate situation, later read by Israel as a model of patient trust. In temple worship, testimonies of waiting and answered prayer strengthened the community's hope in God's attentive mercy.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
David testifies that he waited patiently for the Lord, who inclined to him and heard his cry. God lifted him from the pit and set his feet on rock, putting a new song in his mouth. Many will see and fear and put trust in the Lord.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Psalms 40:2
2He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rockand gave me a firm place to stand.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Psalms 40:2) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- What does patient waiting for the Lord look like in your situation?
- How can testimony of answered prayer encourage others?
- When has God turned toward you after a season of crying out?