Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc24/v24250

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 7KB | 120 lines

24252
 * David complains of his enemies and distresses. (1-6) He prays
 for comfort, guidance, and deliverance. (7-12)

 #1-6 We have no righteousness of our own to plead, therefore
 must plead God's righteousness, and the word of promise which he
 has freely given us, and caused us to hope in. David, before he
 prays for the removal of his trouble, prays for the pardon of
 his sin, and depends upon mercy alone for it. He bemoans the
 weight upon his mind from outward troubles. But he looks back,
 and remembers God's former appearance for his afflicted people,
 and for him in particular. He looks round, and notices the works
 of God. The more we consider the power of God, the less we shall
 fear the face or force of man. He looks up with earnest desires
 towards God and his favour. This is the best course we can take,
 when our spirits are overwhelmed. The believer will not forget,
 that in his best actions he is a sinner. Meditation and prayer
 will recover us from distresses; and then the mourning soul
 strives to return to the Lord as the infant stretches out its
 hands to the indulgent mother, and thirsts for his consolations
 as the parched ground for refreshing rain.

24258
 #7-12 David prays that God would be well pleased with him, and
 let him know that he was so. He pleads the wretchedness of his
 case, if God withdrew from him. But the night of distress and
 discouragement shall end in a morning of consolation and praise.
 He prays that he might be enlightened with the knowledge of
 God's will; and this is the first work of the Spirit. A good man
 does not ask the way in which is the most pleasant walking, but
 what is the right way. Not only show me what thy will is, but
 teach me how to do it. Those who have the Lord for their God,
 have his Spirit for their Guide; they are led by the Spirit. He
 prays that he might be enlivened to do God's will. But we should
 especially seek the destruction of our sins, our worst enemies,
 that we may be devotedly God's servants.
24264
 * David acknowledges the great goodness of God, and prays for
 help. (1-8) He prays for the prosperity of his kingdom. (9-15)

 #1-8 When men become eminent for things as to which they have
 had few advantages, they should be more deeply sensible that God
 has been their Teacher. Happy those to whom the Lord gives that
 noblest victory, conquest and dominion over their own spirits. A
 prayer for further mercy is fitly begun with a thanksgiving for
 former mercy. There was a special power of God, inclining the
 people of Israel to be subject to David; it was typical of the
 bringing souls into subjection to the Lord Jesus. Man's days
 have little substance, considering how many thoughts and cares
 of a never-dying soul are employed about a poor dying body.
 Man's life is as a shadow that passes away. In their highest
 earthly exaltation, believers will recollect how mean, sinful,
 and vile they are in themselves; thus they will be preserved
 from self-importance and presumption. God's time to help his
 people is, when they are sinking, and all other helps fail.

24272
 #9-15 Fresh favours call for fresh returns of thanks; we must
 praise God for the mercies we hope for by his promise, as well
 as those we have received by his providence. To be saved from
 the hurtful sword, or from wasting sickness, without deliverance
 from the dominion of sin and the wrath to come, is but a small
 advantage. The public prosperity David desired for his people,
 is stated. It adds much to the comfort and happiness of parents
 in this world, to see their children likely to do well. To see
 them as plants, not as weeds, not as thorns; to see them as
 plants growing, not withered and blasted; to see them likely to
 bring forth fruit unto God in their day; to see them in their
 youth growing strong in the Spirit. Plenty is to be desired,
 that we may be thankful to God, generous to our friends, and
 charitable to the poor; otherwise, what profit is it to have our
 garners full? Also, uninterrupted peace. War brings abundance of
 mischiefs, whether it be to attack others or to defend
 ourselves. And in proportion as we do not adhere to the worship
 and service of God, we cease to be a happy people. The subjects
 of the Saviour, the Son of David, share the blessings of his
 authority and victories, and are happy because they have the
 Lord for their God.
24279
 * David extols the power, goodness, and mercy of the Lord. (1-9)
 The glory of God's kingdom, and his care of those that love him.
 (10-21)

 #1-9 Those who, under troubles and temptations, abound in
 fervent prayer, shall in due season abound in grateful praise,
 which is the true language of holy joy. Especially we should
 speak of God's wondrous work of redemption, while we declare his
 greatness. For no deliverance of the Israelites, nor the
 punishment of sinners, so clearly proclaims the justice of God,
 as the cross of Christ exhibits it to the enlightened mind. It
 may be truly said of our Lord Jesus Christ, that his words are
 words of goodness and grace; his works are works of goodness and
 grace. He is full of compassion; hence he came into the world to
 save sinners. When on earth, he showed his compassion both to
 the bodies and souls of men, by healing the one, and making wise
 the other. He is of great mercy, a merciful High Priest, through
 whom God is merciful to sinners.

24288
 #10-21 All God's works show forth his praises. He satisfies the
 desire of every living thing, except the unreasonable children
 of men, who are satisfied with nothing. He does good to all the
 children of men; his own people in a special manner. Many
 children of God, who have been ready to fall into sin, to fall
 into despair, have tasted his goodness in preventing their
 falls, or recovering them speedily by his graces and comforts.
 And with respect to all that are heavy laden under the burden of
 sin, if they come to Christ by faith, he will ease them, he will
 raise them. He is very ready to hear and answer the prayers of
 his people. He is present every where; but in a special way he
 is nigh to them, as he is not to others. He is in their hearts,
 and dwells there by faith, and they dwell in him. He is nigh to
 those that call upon him, to help them in all times of need. He
 will be nigh to them, that they may have what they ask, and find
 what they seek, if they call upon him in truth and sincerity.
 And having taught men to love his name and holy ways, he will
 save them from the destruction of the wicked. May we then love
 his name, and walk in his ways, while we desire that all flesh
 should bless his holy name for ever and ever.