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v22300
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1994-03-02
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22308
#19-24 Instead of yielding to impatience or despondency under
our troubles, we should turn our thoughts to the goodness of the
Lord towards those who fear and trust in Him. All comes to
sinners through the wondrous gift of the only-begotten Son of
God, to be the atonement for their sins. Let not any yield to
unbelief, or think, under discouraging circumstances, that they
are cut off from before the eyes of the Lord, and left to the
pride of men. Lord, pardon our complaints and fears; increase
our faith, patience, love, and gratitude; teach us to rejoice in
tribulation and in hope. The deliverance of Christ, with the
destruction of his enemies, ought to strengthen and comfort the
hearts of believers under all their afflictions here below, that
having suffered courageously with their Master, they may
triumphantly enter into his joy and glory.
22314
* The happiness of a pardoned sinner. (1,2) The misery that went
before, and the comfort that followed the confession of sins.
(3-7) Sinners instructed, believers encouraged. (8-11)
#1,2 Sin is the cause of our misery; but the true believer's
transgressions of the Divine law are all forgiven, being covered
with the atonement. Christ bare his sins, therefore they are not
imputed to him. The righteousness of Christ being reckoned to
us, and we being made the righteousness of God in him, our
iniquity is not imputed, God having laid upon him the iniquity
of us all, and made him a sin-offering for us. Not to impute
sin, is God's act, for he is the Judge. It is God that
justifies. Notice the character of him whose sins are pardoned;
he is sincere, and seeks sanctification by the power of the Holy
Ghost. He does not profess to repent, with an intention to
indulge in sin, because the Lord is ready to forgive. He will
not abuse the doctrine of free grace. And to the man whose
iniquity is forgiven, all manner of blessings are promised.
22316
#3-7 It is very difficult to bring sinful man humbly to accept
free mercy, with a full confession of his sins and
self-condemnation. But the true and only way to peace of
conscience, is, to confess our sins, that they may be forgiven;
to declare them that we may be justified. Although repentance
and confession do not merit the pardon of transgression, they
are needful to the real enjoyment of forgiving mercy. And what
tongue can tell the happiness of that hour, when the soul,
oppressed by sin, is enabled freely to pour forth its sorrows
before God, and to take hold of his covenanted mercy in Christ
Jesus! Those that would speed in prayer, must seek the Lord,
when, by his providence, he calls them to seek him, and, by his
Spirit, stirs them up to seek him. In a time of finding, when
the heart is softened with grief, and burdened with guilt; when
all human refuge fails; when no rest can be found to the
troubled mind, then it is that God applies the healing balm by
his Spirit.
22321
#8-11 God teaches by his word, and guides with the secret
intimations of his will. David gives a word of caution to
sinners. The reason for this caution is, that the way of sin
will certainly end in sorrow. Here is a word of comfort to
saints. They may see that a life of communion with God is far
the most pleasant and comfortable. Let us rejoice, O Lord Jesus,
in thee, and in thy salvation; so shall we rejoice indeed.
22325
* God to be praised. (1-11) His people encouraged by his power.
(12-22)
#1-11 Holy joy is the heart and soul of praise, and that is here
pressed upon the righteous. Thankful praise is the breath and
language of holy joy. Religious songs are proper expressions of
thankful praise. Every endowment we possess, should be employed
with all our skill and earnestness in God's service. His
promises are all wise and good. His word is right, and therefore
we are only in the right when we agree with it. His works are
all done in truth. He is the righteous Lord, therefore loveth
righteousness. What a pity it is that this earth, which is so
full of the proofs and instances of God's goodness, should be so
empty of his praises; and that of the multitudes who live upon
his bounty, there are so few who live to his glory! What the
Lord does, he does to purpose; it stands fast. He overrules all
the counsels of men, and makes them serve his counsels; even
that is fulfilled, which to us is most surprising, the eternal
counsel of God, nor can any thing prevent its coming to pass.
22336
#12-22 All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which
no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do.
Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he
formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the
creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at
all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then
we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him
the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the
salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is
over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a
believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be
helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those
that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for
there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy
mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and
benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the
promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according
to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.
22347
* David praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He
exhorts to fear. (11-22)
#1-10 If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit
that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He
never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers
helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto
the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and
comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and
at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation,
and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom
no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any
concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels
minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of
darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste
and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste
and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort
of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the
things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for
the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall
have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and
abounded, because he was content, #Php 4:11-18|. Those who trust
to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them,
shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those
shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own
business.