O Lord, Thou art my God.
--This chapter looks as pleasantly upon the Church as the former looked dreadfully upon the world. (M. Henry.)
Calm after storm
We can only understand the highest, sweetest meaning of this chapter in proportion as we enter into the spirit of the chapter which precedes it. That chapter is full of clouds, and darkness, and judgment. The very terribleness of God is a reason for putting trust in Him. Probably this view of the Divine attributes has not always been sufficiently vivid to our spiritual consciousness. We have thought of God, and have become afraid; whereas when we hear Him thundering, and see Him scattering His arrows of lightning round about Him, and behold Him pouring contempt upon the mighty who have defied Him, we should say, See! God is love. What does He strike? No little child, no patient woman, no broken heart, no face that is steeped in tears of contrition. On what does His fist fall?--on arrogance, on haughtiness, on self-conceit, on self-completeness. He turns the proud away with an answer of scorn to their prayer of patronage. God is only terrible to evil. That is the reason why His terribleness should be an encouragement and an allurement to souls that know their sin and plead for pardon at the Cross. (J. Parker, D. D.)
Song of assurance
I. THE AFFINITY THAT IS CLAIMED. “O Jehovah, Thou art my God.” This affinity was predetermined by God the Father; it is exhibited in the most conspicuous manner in the person of God the Son; it is revealed, beyond the possibility of doubt, to the heart of God’s elect by God the Holy Ghost
II. THE WONDERS ACKNOWLEDGED. “Thou hast done wonderful things.” will only select three out of myriads: His vicarious work, the extension of the Redeemer’s kingdom, and the deliverance of precious souls individually by con version to God.
III. THE ETERNAL FIRST CAUSE AVOWED. “Thy counsels of old.” (J. Irons.)
The faithfulness of God
That Divine perfection which the prophet celebrates is a fountain of consolation to everyone that “thirsts after righteousness.”
I. ENUMERATE SEVERAL PAST INSTANCES OF THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.
1. Connected with the history of the deluge.
2. His conduct towards the people of Israel.
3. His promise to the father of the faithful, that “in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed,”--a promise afterwards repeatedly confirmed by prophets.
4. In the fulness of time, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, etc. Galatians 4:4-5). Having thus produced an instance of the faithfulness of God from each of the several kingdoms of nature, providence, and grace, I proceed to--
II. DEDUCE SUCH INFERENCES AS THE SUBJECT APPEARS TO SUGGEST.
1. We should cherish gratitude.
2. It is the privilege of devout Christians to maintain unshaken confidence in God--with reference both to the Church of Christ and the circumstances of individual believers.
(1) Of the perpetuity and future prosperity of the Church we are not permitted to doubt.
(2) Since the Lord is faithful, let the Christian who is in a state of poverty, re member that his Saviour hath said, “Take no thought saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be clothed. .. Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things,” etc.
(3) Since God is faithful, let those who feel the strength of indwelling sin in their hearts, remember that it is promised, “sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
(4) To fearful Christians the subject is also calculated to administer great relief. It should inspire a cheerful and affectionate confidence.
(5) In short, this illustrious attribute presents an asylum, whatever storms you are called upon in the path of duty to endure.
3. The subject should awaken salutary fear. For the faithfulness of God to His word and purpose is an attribute no less to be dreaded by the impenitent than valued by believers. (T. Sims, M. A.)
“My God”
Thou art my God, who hast invited me to sacred intercourse with Thee: who hast inclined me to surrender myself and all my concerns into Thy hands, and to choose Thee for my God. Thou art my Father, who hast nourished and brought me up among Thy children. Thou art my Friend, who hast loaded me with a rich profusion of favours. Thou art the Portion that I have chosen, in the possession of which I shall enjoy the most permanent felicity. Thou art my God, and therefore my happiness shall be complete. I humbly claim from Thy all-sufficiency the supply of all my wants; from Thy wisdom, direction and conduct; from Thy power, assistance and protection; from Thy love, refreshment and consolation; from Thy mercy, forgiveness and blessing; from Thy faithfulness, stability and support; and from Thy patience, forbearance and long suffering. I cheerfully resign myself and all my interests to Thy direction and disposal; and, with dutiful affection, I consecrate all my powers and faculties to Thy honour, whose I am, and whom I serve, that they may be employed in promoting Thy glory. (R. Macculloch.)
Exalting the Lord
To exalt the Lord our God is--
1. To proclaim the glorious honour of His majesty.
2. To extol the exceeding riches of His grace.
3. To magnify His transcendent excellences.
4. To celebrate, with affectionate gratitude, His wonderful loving kindness. (R. Macculloch.)