9. THE GOD WHO LIFTS US UP
Psalm 40:2 – “He lifted me out of the pit.”
INTRODUCTION: “Everyone Knows the Pit”
My brothers and sisters, as we stand on the streets of India—whether in cities, villages, markets, or bus stands—we see one truth: people are struggling.
Some smile outside but are crying inside. Some walk fast, but their hearts are stuck in one place. Some carry heavy bags, but their souls carry heavier burdens.
David cried out in Psalm 40:2,
“He lifted me out of the horrible pit.”
A pit is a place where you cannot lift yourself.
A pit is where you feel trapped, helpless, ashamed, and tired.
Many of you listening today may be in such a pit.
But I’ve come with good news:
The God of the Bible is not the God who pushes you down—He is the God who lifts you up!
(Psalm 3:3, “He is the lifter of my head.”)
Let us hear this Gospel.
1. EVERYONE FALLS INTO A PIT
Psalm 40:2 – “A horrible pit, miry clay…”
In our nation, we see many kinds of pits:
• Pit of Addiction
Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, mobile addiction, pornography—like chains around the soul.
(John 8:34 – “Whoever sins is a slave to sin.”)
• Pit of Anger and Unforgiveness
Homes are broken, relationships wounded, children scarred.
(Ephesians 4:31)
• Pit of Family Conflicts
Husbands and wives fighting, parents and children not speaking, homes losing peace.
• Pit of Comparison and Jealousy
Comparing salaries, lifestyles, looks, blessings—destroying inner peace.
• Pit of Guilt and Shame
Mistakes of the past haunting the present.
(Psalm 38:4 – “My guilt has overwhelmed me.”)
• Pit of Sin
The deepest pit of all.
(Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned…”)
Everyone falls, but most people try to climb out with:
• self-effort
• religion
• good works
• positive thinking
• promises to do better
But the more they try, the deeper they sink.
Jeremiah 17:9 says,
“The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked.”
We cannot save ourselves.
2. ONLY GOD CAN LIFT US OUT
Psalm 40:2 – “HE lifted me…”
David didn’t say, “I climbed out.”
He said, “HE lifted me.”
Like a father lifting a fallen child,
like a shepherd lifting a stuck sheep,
like a rescuer lifting someone from a well—
God lifts the helpless.
Bible Example: The Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1–12)
This man could not walk.
He could not come to Jesus by himself.
But four friends brought him to Jesus.
Jesus first said:
“Your sins are forgiven.”
Then He healed him.
Forgiveness first, miracle next.
Because our biggest pit is sin.
Another Example: Joseph in the Pit (Genesis 37:24)
Joseph was thrown into a pit by his own brothers.
But God lifted him up—and made him a ruler.
Jesus Still Lifts Today
• He lifted Mary Magdalene out of seven demons.
• He lifted Zacchaeus out of greed.
• He lifted the thief on the cross out of hopelessness.
• He lifted Peter out of fear and failure.
Psalm 145:14 says,
“The Lord lifts up all who fall.”
He can lift you today.
3. GOD GIVES A NEW SONG
Psalm 40:3 – “He put a new song in my mouth.”
When God lifts a person out of the pit, He doesn’t just clean them—
He changes them.
When Christ enters a life:
• Sorrow becomes Song
• Fear becomes Faith
• Bondage becomes Freedom
• Hopelessness becomes Hope
• Weakness becomes Strength
• Darkness becomes Light
(2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”)
Indian Illustration: The Broken Harmonium
A broken harmonium makes no music, no matter how hard you press the keys.
The sound that comes out is not melody—but noise.
Many people today try to produce:
• peace
• joy
• hope
• goodness
But their heart is broken inside.
Only Jesus, the Master Carpenter of Nazareth,
the One who repaired broken lives—
can repair your heart.
He will tune your life and put a new song in your mouth.
CONCLUSION: JESUS CAN LIFT YOU TODAY
My dear friends,
No matter what your pit is,
Jesus is greater than your pit.
He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
He came to break chains (Isaiah 61:1).
He came to give life (John 10:10).
He came to lift you up (Psalm 40:2).
THE GOSPEL INVITATION
Jesus can lift you from:
• sin
• shame
• addiction
• fear
• brokenness
• depression
• family problems
Open your heart today.
Call upon His name. (Romans 10:13)
He will forgive you.
He will heal you.
He will lift you up.
And He will give you a new life and a new song.
Come to Jesus. He is the God who lifts us up.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
