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TRUST IN GOD RECOMMENDED
THERE is an inseparable connexion between the duties and privileges of a Christian. It is his privilege to enjoy composure under all difficulties and dangers; but this he cannot possess, unless he repose his confidence in God. Nevertheless in relying upon God his mind shall be kept in perfect peace. David had known the storms of trouble as much as any man; but in the midst of all maintained a full assurance of divine protection. He records his experience in the words before us.
We shall consider them,
I. According to their original import—
This psalm, like many other parts of Scripture, has a double sense—
In an historical view it speaks of David himself—
[David had long been habituated to trust in the Lord. When he was yet a youth, he withstood a lion and a bear in dependence upon God [Note: 1Sa_17:36-37.]; nor feared to encounter him, who filled all the hosts of Israel with terror [Note: 1Sa_17:45; 1Sa_17:47.]. During the persecutions of Saul he still held fast his confidence; and, under the most imminent danger and accumulated trouble, encouraged himself in God [Note: 1Sa_30:6.]. Sometimes, indeed, his faith for a moment began to fail him [Note: 1Sa_27:1.]; but, on the whole, he was “strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Nor was he less sensible of his own insufficiency when he was a king: he still made the Most High his only and continual refuge [Note: Psa_91:2; Psa_56:2-4.]: and God approved himself faithful to his believing servant. There were indeed some occasions wherein David was greatly “moved [Note: 2Sa_15:30.]; ”but these only served more fully to evince the power and faithfulness of his God [Note: 2Sa_23:5.].]
In a prophetical sense the words are applicable to Christ—
[The whole psalm has an evident reference to the Messiah. Christ is that “King” who was raised to sit upon the throne of David [Note: Luk_1:32.]; and, as for every other good thing, so was he eminent for trust in God. He disregarded the plots of his most powerful enemies [Note: Luk_13:32.]; and, undaunted, renewed his visit to those who had lately sought to stone him [Note: Joh_11:8.]. He well knew that, till his hour was come, no power on earth could touch him [Note: Joh_19:11.]; nor was he ever left destitute of the divine protection. He seemed indeed to be “moved” when “he was crucified through weakness;” but he soon shewed how vain were the attempts of his adversaries. In his resurrection and ascension he “led captivity itself captive:” and he will in due season “put all his enemies under his feet.”]
In both these views the text sets before us an instructive example—
But we may consider it further,
II. In reference to the present occasion—
The solemnities of this day prove that the former part of the text is exemplified also in our own monarch [Note: This was preached on occasion of the king going to St. Paul’s to present the colours taken in three different engagements with the French, Spanish, and Dutch fleets.]—
We may therefore hope that the latter part also shall be accomplished in him—
[The religious conduct of kings is of great importance to a nation. Their piety indeed is not more meritorious than that of others; but it is often more beneficial to the community than that of a private person. In the days of old, God paid especial regard to the prayers of princes [Note: 2Ch_14:11-12; 2Ch_20:5-6; 2Ch_20:12; 2Ch_20:15; 2Ch_20:17; 2Ch_34:27 and Isa_37:21-22; Isa_37:33-34.]: even when they were of an abandoned character, he heard them [Note: 1Ki_21:29.]. How much more may we hope that he will respect those offered to him this day! “The mercy of the Most High” has hitherto been signally manifested towards us, and if we trust in him it shall yet be continued to us. We say not indeed but that, as a nation, we may be greatly “moved.” It is certain that we deserve the heaviest calamities that can fall upon us; but we shall not be given up to ruin if we cry unto God for help. To the end of the world shall that promise be fulfilled to repenting nations [Note: Jer_18:7-8.].]
Sure we are that they who trust in God for spiritual blessings shall never be disappointed—
[Our thoughts on this occasion are not to be confined to temporal concerns. Much as we are interested in national mercies, the welfare of our souls is yet more important: yea, our spiritual progress is the great means of obtaining God’s protection to the state. Trust in God therefore, for spiritual blessings, is not foreign to the business of this day. Whatever our political sentiments may be, we are all equally concerned to seek acceptance through Christ. We all need to trust in the promises made to us in him; and, if we do, “the gates of hell shall not be able to prevail against us.” Though we have been led captive by our lusts, “we shall have redemption through his blood;” and though we have still to conflict with sin and Satan, we shall be made more than conquerors. The mercy of the Most High shall assuredly be extended to us. Sooner shall heaven and earth pass away than that promise fail of accomplishment [Note: 2Ch_20:20.].]
Application—
[Let us habituate ourselves to view the hand of God in all our mercies, and to trust in him both for personal and national blessings; but let us not think, we trust in God, when in reality we do not. Trust in God necessarily implies a renunciation of all creature-confidence: it also supposes that we sincerely commit our cause to God, and that we plead the promises made to us in his word. If we seek not the Lord in this manner, we trust rather in chance, or in our own vain conceits, than in him. Let us then be earnest in our applications at the throne of grace. Let us be exceeding thankful to God for the mercies we have received, and in every difficulty, temporal or spiritual, confide in him. Thus shall we see an happy issue to our present troubles, and be monuments of God’s truth and faithfulness to all eternity.]