Trust Entirely in the God who is entirely trustworthy (MCA chapel message)

Trust Entirely in the God who is Entirely Trustworthy

Psalm 40:1-5

[Intro:]

We live during a time in human history where the majority of people no longer feel that they can trust people who are in positions of authority. There have been instances where those who were in positions of authority broke our trust. There have been corrupt: politicians, policemen, firemen, boy-scout leaders, pastors, Catholic priests, judges, teachers, principles, family members, and the list goes on. This has brought us to the point where we feel that there is very little that we can rely on and very few we can trust.

But, there is someone you can trust. There is someone who is completely reliable. There is someone who loves you with a perfect love and is always working for your good. The someone to whom I am referring is God. I am going to share with you from God's Word today this principle which is completely true, “Trust entirely in the God who is entirely trustworthy.” But, before you take my word for it let's look at the evidence.

[Message:]

1. A story of first-hand experience (1-3)

   1. David trusts in God (1)

We learn of David trusting in the Lord from a very young age (1 Sam. 16:1-3, 6-13; 17:34-37). Time after time when David was in danger or in need, he prayed (Ps. 25:1-3; 27:7-10, 13-14). Psalm 40 declares that as David prayed to God for help, God turned and listened to him. Isn't that awesome that the God who is over all, would turn and listen to David's plea for help? The language conveys that the answer didn't come quickly. This is another lesson to keep praying until God answers. When you are in danger or in need, who do you rely on? Check out what the author of Hebrews teaches (Heb. 4:16).

2. David is rescued by God (2)

David describes that danger he was in as being a “pit of destruction.” This imagery communicates a situation which was humanly hopeless. It was a pit from which David couldn't escape. He also describes his situation as being stuck in “miry clay” (NASB, lit. mud of the mire). The ESV translates it as “the miry bog.” The Holman CSB translates it as “the muddy clay.” David was in a pit which was slippery and he couldn't escape. All of David's efforts were futile. David prays patiently (or intently) but the answer doesn't come quickly. In His perfect timing, God turns and listens to David. God took David out of the pit in His timing, not David's. When God rescued David, He placed him down in a situation which was secure. David was in a slippery place of destruction from which he couldn't escape. God rescued him and placed him in a situation where his feet wouldn't slip and his footing was firm. What a great God!

3. David rejoices in God (3)

God rescuing David from this dangerous situation gave David motivation to praise God for what He had done (Ps. 98:1; 96:1; 149:1). It is a natural response to praise God for such a rescue. As a result, God will be praised by others because they have seen David rescued and through hearing David's praise of God.

Paul praised God for the forgiveness of sins which Jesus provided through His death and resurrection (Eph. 1:3-8a). Peter praised God for eternal life and an inheritance in heaven, which were purchased by Jesus' death and resurrection (1 Pet. 1:3-5). What should you praise God for?

2. The Greatness of God proclaimed (4-5)

   1. Blessing belongs to the person who trusts in God (4)

David has spoken of his experience in which he trusted in the Lord and now he sets forth the principle: the person who trusts entirely in the Lord is blessed. The word “blessed” may also be translated “happy.” In fact, the Holman CSB translates it in this way (cf. Ps. 1:1-6). This blessing is upon the person who trusts in God alone, not in the proud or idol-worshipers.

Just imagine a person who claims to be a Christian and is a child of God, seeking rescue from an unbeliever and never seeking God's help. That would be a foolish thing to do, right? A blessing will be upon the person who trusts in God entirely.

2. David's life isn't long enough to speak of God's greatness (5)

God has done so many amazing things for David and Israel. God also has many “thoughts toward” David and Israel. The Holman CSB translates this more clearly as, “Lord my God, You have done many things— Your wonderful works and Your plans for us.” David declares that there is none who can compare with God. God is perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere present, gracious, merciful, holy, and just. There is no one and nothing which can compare with God.

David asserts that if he were to attempt to verbalize all of God's wondrous deeds and wonderful plans, “they are more than can be told.” (HCSB). David is incapable of telling of the full greatness of God! John said something like this about Jesus' miracles and deeds during His earthly ministry (Jn. 20:30-31; 21:24-25). Isaiah when he saw the Lord declared that he was “ruined” (Isa. 6:1-5). Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord and fell on his face (Ezek. 1:26-28). John saw the Lord Jesus in His glory and fell on his face (Rev. 1:12-18). Are you in awe of who God is and what He has done?

[Conclusion:]

1. If you trust entirely in God you will be blessed:

   1. for salvation

   2. for the Christian life

2. God is glorious, and worthy of all praise. Rejoice in who God is and what He has done.

Trust entirely in the God who is entirely trustworthy.