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BIG IDEA:
THE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD CAN WAIT ON THE LORD:
FOR SPIRITUAL VICTORY AND FOR PERSONAL GUIDANCE

I. (:1-3) WAIT ON THE LORD FOR SPIRITUAL VICTORY
SO THAT FAITH MIGHT BE VINDICATED

"Let me not be ashamed"
David’s historical context was more one of needing deliverance from physical enemies.
As the standard bearer for the nation Israel, he was concerned with God’s reputation and the vindication of his own faith.

Our struggles tend to be more in the spiritual realm where we need victory over sin and weakness in our own lives:
"Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Rom. 7:24)

"I lift up my soul" -- sometimes our soul is weighed down and depressed; we need to lift it up to God

The longing of David’s heart ("Let me not be ashamed") is reassured by remembering God’s Harvest Law:
1) God’s Faithfulness to Deliver:
Key: "none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed"
2) God’s Faithfulness to Judge:
"Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed"


II. (:4-7) WAIT ON THE LORD FOR PERSONAL GUIDANCE
BASED ON GOD’S GOODNESS

"Remember Thou me"

Request for Personal Guidance:
"Make me know thy ways"
"Teach me Thy paths"
"Lead me in Thy truth and teach me"

Based on God’s Goodness:
His compassion
His lovingkindnesses

Key: "For Thee I wait all the day".


III. (:8-11) WHY DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO WAIT ON THE LORD?

A. (:8-9) PERSONAL GUIDANCE Is the Response of a Good God to Humble Sinners

B. (:10-11) SPIRITUAL VICTORY Is the Response of a Faithful God to Obedient Servants

Key: "Keep His covenant and His testimonies"


IV. (:12-15) THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE KEY TO PROSPERITY AND DELIVERANCE

Because the Fear of the Lord is the basis for Humility and Obedience

A. (:12-13) The Lord’s Personal Guidance Results in Prosperity for Those who Fear the Lord

B. (:14-15) The Lord’s Secret for Spiritual Victory Brings Deliverance to Those who Fear the Lord

There is no formula for victory like a recipe for making a cake or directions for fixing a broken car;
There is a secret aspect of the Lord’s grace and favor and sovereignty involved

Key: "My eyes are continually toward the Lord"


V. (:16-22) WAIT ON THE LORD AND ASK FOR HIS PROTECTION AND DELIVERANCE

A. (:16-18) Appeal #1
Request:
Turn to me
Be gracious to me
Bring me out of my distresses
Look upon my affliction and my trouble
Forgive all my sins

Reason:
I am lonely and afflicted
I am in a heap of trouble ("the troubles of my heart are enlarged")
I need forgiveness

B. (:19-20) Appeal #2
Request:
Look upon my enemies
Guard my soul
Deliver me
Do not let me be ashamed.

Reason:
I have many enemies
They hate me with violent hatred
I take refuge in Thee

C. (:21-22) Appeal #3
Request:
Personal: Preserve me
National: Redeem Israel out of all of his troubles

Reason:
Integrity and Uprightness

CONCLUSION:
Key: "For I wait for Thee"

* * * * * * * * * *

DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:

1) What is our root problem if we are experiencing shame and embarrassment?

2) Do we truly wait upon the Lord for guidance and direction or do we plow ahead in our own wisdom?

3) Note the emphasis in the psalm on pardon for sin. Since it lies at the core of the psalm, it has special impact on the chiastic arrangement (see outline below).

4) What is the “secret