Psalm 40: 2 - part 3

Here's the third and final part to the study on Psalm 40: 2. Next part covers verses 3 and 4.

Read Psalm 40: 1 - 8 first. The other posts on verse 2 (and prior to that verse 1) can be found here.

3. Firm Footing


You may have guessed the 3rd and final point I want to make, especially following the illustrations I’ve given already about Christ the rock and the solid narrow path to Zion.

Indeed its clear to see that following the first and second points that the firm footing can be found at the end of the verse – “...and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.” Or as the ESV tells us, “...and set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure.”

Here is why I have used the 2 versions. You may have noticed I have referenced both versions – the ‘pit of destruction/despair’ in the ESV, the ‘clay’ of the AV and the ‘bog’ of the ESV and here the ‘established goings’ and the ‘secure steps’.

When our feet are set on the rock of the Lord Jesus they are utterly secure. There is no firmer foothold or ground on which we can stand. He is utterly faithful, immovable and steadfast.

The ESV conveys this in saying that David’s/our steps become secure. Each and every step on that path is grounded in God’s faithfulness and steadfastness. The grip is perfect, there are no obstacles, and the path will never become slippery or unstable as long as we don’t stray from it.

The AV words it differently and in my opinion it reflects the lasting purposes of being set on that rock. Our ‘goings are established’ – in other words our feet are set in the right direction, we are set on the path to Zion and Jesus points the way. We aren’t just placed in safety; we are pointed and guided each step of the way in our sanctifying journey to heaven. The Lord not only saves us, cleanses us and makes us secure, He also establishes our right direction, he corrects our errors, redirects us when we wander and shows us His ways.

Proverbs 4: 11 - 15 tells us “I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”

Vs 18 and 19 continue “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”



Jesus said “...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14: 6

And this is never truer in establishing our goings. Jesus is the only way to heaven. He is the only way out of that pit; he is the only way to be cleansed of sin.

No works, no traditions, no acts or words or any other path can offer the truth, the life or access to God.

‘But by me’ – Jesus’ actions at Calvary have made it possible for sinners like you and me to escape that pit of destruction. Make no mistake, without him, without Jesus we cannot, YOU cannot be saved.

Romans 10: 9 says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

If you are saved, if you have confessed and believe that Jesus is Lord and that He was raised from the dead then understand your ways have been established and in this God’s own word he is directing you and guiding you to his heavenly mansion. Use it, be guided. Do not stray or be distracted and drawn from the path by idols and things or the world and the flesh. Stay the course and walk on solid ground, don’t be the house built on sand which will crumble and fall in the storm.


Without Jesus you stand in the pit wallowing and blind in your sin headed only for destruction and eternal despair. Your idols cannot save you, like Jeremiah you cannot climb out unaided. You are utterly condemned and it is due only to your personal sin, your very state and being.

If you can sense that blackness, if you can feel that heavy burden leaning on you, if you can hear the voice of Jesus calling you, don’t delay, don’t stare into the black well of your own soul for salvation.

Hear him and turn, take the hand that is offered and believe that He alone, Jesus, is the way out, THE WAY. He is the truth; there are no lies in Him. He is life eternal.

Don’t live and die in the pit. Be like David – see your sins for what they are, see your circumstances for what they are and see Jesus for the Saviour He is.

So whatever your condition - Be lifted and rescued and be given life by the Lord Jesus Christ the living Son of the Living God and confess Him now as your Saviour.

Deuteronomy 30: 19 says “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life,”


Amen.