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GOD’S CARE OF HIS PEOPLE
THE deeper doctrines of our holy religion, if made a matter of controversy and disputation, are very unprofitable; but, as experienced in the soul, they are a source of the richest consolation. David, under the persecutions of Saul, stood in need of consolation; and he found it in the consideration of God’s power and faithfulness. He was at this time in great trouble. But, in the full confidence that God would take care of him, he said, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.”
Let us, for our own improvement of these words, consider,
I. The confidence here expressed—
Let us notice it,
1. In reference to David—
[In their primary sense, the words refer to David’s final establishment on the throne of Israel. But the whole psalm shews that he had a further view to his spiritual and eternal interests. In reference to his temporal advancement, his confidence was well-founded. God had promised to him the throne of Israel. The only question, therefore, for him to settle in his own mind, was, whether God was able to effect his promised mercy. But here he could have no doubt. True it was, that Saul laboured with all his might for his destruction: but it was not possible for man to thwart the purposes of the Almighty; and therefore, relying on the power and faithfulness of Jehovah, he dismissed all fear, and assured himself of a happy and successful issue to his afflictions. In reference to his eternal welfare, it was equally just. God had “made with him an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure [Note: 2Sa_23:5.].” This covenant comprehended every thing for body and for soul, for time and for eternity. Could it be supposed that God should ever violate his own engagements, or be incapacitated through the power or subtlety of men or devils for the fulfilment of them? In spite of all the efforts of Saul, and all the devices of the wicked one, they had been accomplished hitherto; and there was no reason to fear that “one jot or tittle of his word should ever fail.”]
2. In reference to ourselves—
[We have the same difficulties to contend with as he. We have not indeed a human enemy, pursuing us unto death: but we have a more formidable enemy, even “Satan, who, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking,” by every means within his power, “to devour us [Note: 1Pe_5:8.].” Thousands are in league with him on every side; and within our own bosoms are there enemies innumerable, who are ready to betray us. According to human appearances, our escape is impossible. But we may, notwithstanding all, possess the fullest confidence of a triumphant issue. Our grounds of confidence, also, are the same as his. The covenant of grace is made with us, and with the Lord Jesus Christ in our behalf. In that covenant, God undertakes for us, as well as for himself: he engages that “he will not depart from us to do us good; and that he will put his fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from him [Note: Jer_32:40.].” Now we may well say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” That he should change, is impossible; for “He is a God that changeth not [Note: Mal_3:6.].” And, because we are apt to doubt his veracity, he has confirmed his promise with an oath, “that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us [Note: Heb_6:18.].” On these grounds, therefore, we may with the holy Apostle, “be confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in us will perform it till the day of Christ [Note: Php_1:6.].”]
But let us further mark,
II. The conduct to which it should lead us—
It should lead us to precisely the same spirit as he manifested: with a view to which, I would say,
1. Look for progress in the Divine life—
[David looked to God to “perfect all that concerned him.” So should we, also, “go on unto perfection.” We should never count ourselves to have attained, as long as any thing remains to be attained. Whatever progress we may have already made, we should “forget the things which are behind, and reach forth unto that which is before, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus [Note: Php_3:12-14.].”]
2. Let your dependence be on God alone—
[It was to God alone that David looked for the “perfecting” of all his concerns. And to God alone must you look. No dependence whatever must be placed on your own wisdom or strength. It is “God who has wrought all your works in you” hitherto [Note: Isa_26:12.]: and he who has been “the Author, must also be the Finisher [Note: Heb_12:2.].” “The same hand as laid the foundation of the good work, must bring forth the top-stone, that Grace, grace, may be ascribed to it,” for ever and ever [Note: Zec_4:9.].]
3. Blend your confidence with fear—
[The confidence which David expressed did not supersede the necessity of holy fear. On the contrary, at the very moment that he so expressed it, he cried, “Forsake not the work of thine own hands [Note: ver. 8.]!” It was thus with the Apostle Paul. No man ever had stronger confidence in God than he: yet “he kept under his body, and brought it into subjection, lest by any means, after having preached to others, he himself should become a cast-away [Note: 1Co_9:27.].” Extremely important do I consider this suggestion. For, amongst those who express this confidence in God, many think themselves at liberty to relax their vigilance; taking for granted, that God will keep them, whether they labour to “keep themselves [Note: Jude, ver. 21.]” or not. But this is an abuse, and a very fatal abuse, of the doctrines of grace. The assistance promised us by God, is intended to encourage, not to supersede, our own endeavours: as it is said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure [Note: Php_2:12-13.].” To every one amongst you, then, whatever his attainments be, I say, “Be not high-minded, but fear [Note: Rom_11:20.]:” for “blessed is the man that feareth alway [Note: Pro_28:14.].” Whilst you say with David, “The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me;” be sure to add, “My prayer shall be unto the God of my life [Note: Psa_42:8.].”]
4. Unite with fear, a firm unshaken confidence—
[Arduous as David’s circumstances were, he entertained no doubt respecting their final issue. He looked to “God, as performing all things for him [Note: Psa_57:2.],” and was satisfied. Now, in like manner, I would have you “encourage yourselves in the Lord your God.” Treasure up in your minds “his exceeding great and precious promises,” and expect the accomplishment of them all to your souls. He has said, that “he will never leave you; never, never forsake you [Note: Heb_13:5.]:” and you may rest assured that he will fulfil his word; for “He is faithful who hath promised [Note: Heb_10:23.].” “Cast, then, your care altogether upon him [Note: 1Pe_5:7.];” and “commit the keeping of your souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator [Note: 1Pe_4:19.].”]