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THE DUTY OF HOPING IN GOD
THAT advice which flows from experience is at all times most worthy of our attention. In this view the words of our text claim peculiar regard. David, in the psalm before us, records a very signal deliverance which he had recently experienced, probably from an overwhelming sense of his own guilt and corruption: and, having informed us what methods he had used to obtain deliverance, and how effectual they had proved for his restoration to happiness, he recommends the adoption of them to all the people of God under all difficulties whatsoever; and assures them, that they shall not in any instance fail of success: “Let Israel,” &c.
He sets before us,
I. Our duty—
Hope in God, as men generally use the term, is nothing more than an unfounded expectation that God will save us, whatever be our state, and whatever be our conduct. But a scriptural hope implies a suitable regard to the things we hope for, and to him in whom our hope is placed. It implies,
1. That we pray to him with fervour—
[This was united with the Psalmist’s hope [Note: ver. 1, 2.]: and it must also be with ours [Note: Mat_7:7-8.]. To pretend to hope in God while we neglect to spread our wants before him, is the grossest hypocrisy, and the most fatal delusion [Note: Eze_36:37.].]
2. That we wait for him with patience—
[It was in this manner that David exercised his hope [Note: ver. 5, 6.]. Nor can we act otherwise, if we be sincere in our profession [Note: Rom_8:25.]. To be impatient, is an unequivocal mark of unbelief, and despondency [Note: Isa_28:16. 1Sa_13:11-12.]. But to wait patiently the Lord’s leisure, is the office and evidence of faith and hope [Note: Hab_2:3.].]
3. That we depend on him with steadfastness—
[The promises of God to those who seek him, must be the ground of our hope [Note: ver. 5.]. We are not to regard difficulties of any kind, as though they could prove any obstacle to God. However circumstances, both within and without, may seem to justify despair, we must “hope beyond and against hope [Note: ð á ñ ʼ ἐ ë ð ß ä á , Rom_4:18. Job_13:15. Isa_1:10.],” assured that, as nothing is impossible with God, so not one jot or tittle of his word shall ever fail.]
This duty being of infinite importance, and of universal obligation, let us consider,
II. Our encouragement to perform it—
If we look inward, we shall find nothing but discouragement. But if, with David, we look to God, we may find abundant encouragement,
1. In his attributes—
[While justice bears a frowning aspect, mercy smiles on the repenting sinner. God has opened a way for the exercise of his mercy in perfect consistency with the demands of justice; and to exercise it is his delight [Note: Mic_7:18.]. This attribute is as essential to his nature as wisdom, or power, or any other [Note: Exo_34:6-7.]. Nor needs he to have it excited by a view of our misery (much less by any meritorious services of ours;) it is ever “with him:” and is ready to manifest itself towards all those who call upon him. [Note: Rom_10:12.]]
2. In his works—
[“Redemption” is the crown of all his works: and this also is with him, that he may impart it to those who groan under their sore bondage. Yea, with him is “plenteous” redemption: he himself, as our near kinsman, (bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh [Note: Eph_5:30.]) has the right of redemption vested in him [Note: Lev_25:25; Lev_25:47-49.]: and, having ability to pay the price, he will discharge our debt, and restore us, not only to liberty, but also to the inheritance which we have so basely alienated.]
3. In his word—
[The declaration of his determined purpose by an inspired writer, it equivalent to an express promise. And, if the extent and certainty of this promise be considered, what an encouragement will it afford us to hope in God! There is no limitation whatever to the promise, provided, like “Israel” of old, we wrestle with God for the performance of it [Note: Gen_32:24-28.]. However numerous and inveterate our iniquities may be, they shall “all” be pardoned, and “all” subdued [Note: Isa_1:18.].]
Application—
1. To prevent any abuse of this subject, we shall guard it—
[The repetition of the name “Israel” distinctly marks the characters to whom the text is more immediately to be applied. It is the praying, waiting, and depending sinner that is exhorted to hope in God: and it is he alone who can expect redemption at the hands of God. Let such therefore see their duty and their privilege: but let those who live in the habitual neglect of God Know, that their “hope is as a spider’s web, that shall soon be swept away with the besom of destruction [Note: Job_8:13-14.].”]
2. To impress the subject more deeply on our minds, we shall enforce it—
[The advice here given is the most suitable that can be given, and if followed, will be productive of the greatest happiness. Were any of us directed to indulge a hope from our own endeavours, we should soon perceive the folly of such advice. Every day and hour would bring us fresh occasion for despair. But in God there is nothing wanting: he has the right, the power, and the will to redeem us. Nor, if we trust in him, shall we ever be confounded [Note: Isa_45:17.].
Let us therefore not limit either the mercy or power of our God; but putting away all self-rightcous hopes [Note: Php_3:3.], or unbelieving fears [Note: Psa_42:11.], let us repose an unlimited confidence in our merciful and faithful Redeemer.]