CRITICAL NOTES.
Jonah 2:7. Fainted] Heb. to cover one’s self or to veil, then to sink, to pine away: Rem. the triumph of faith over sense. Temple] from which prayers are heard (Psalms 42:6; Psalms 73:26).
HOMILETICS
REMEMBRANCE OF GOD.— Jonah 2:7
Jonah continues his reflections, and calls to mind his past experience in the deep.
I. Remembrance of God an antidote to fainting. Men faint through heat, thirst, and exhaustion; but the worst fainting is in the mind (Hebrews 12:3). If the mind keeps strong we can bear up, but if that gives way we succumb to sorrow. Natural infirmities, trouble and temptation, may overcome the stoutest. The soul is filled with doubt, the heart grows weak, and faints away. Above all, guilt brings fear and drives away God, and casts dark shadows over our path. But if we are humble and turn to God in our despondency our souls will revive, and hope will dawn in regions of despair. Remembrance of (a) God’s power, (b) God’s promise, and (c) God’s readiness to save, will renew our strength. “God will help and that right early.”
II. Remembrance of God a stimulant to prayer. “And my prayer came unto thee.” Much depends upon what men look at in trouble. According to the object in view will be the direction of the thoughts. Some look at their situation, with its attendant evils, and faint. Others trust to wrong sources for help, and are disappointed. But remembrance of God will invigorate faith, and prompt to prayer. Constant thoughts of God would make life more devout and successful. Continual prayer to him would secure his presence, and turn the depths of death into a temple of praise.
III. Remembrance of God a proof of God’s remembrance of us. When we truly remember and pray to God in sorrow, it is an evidence that we are not forsaken by him. The spirit of prayer is given to be cultivated, and offered to him in hearty petitions. No greater mercy can we have in trial than to be kept prayerful and dependent upon God. Contrite prayer and enjoyment of God’s favour are closely connected. Let us not forget God whatever else is forgotten.