_O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee._ THE GREATEST THINGS OF THE SOUL I. The greatest hunger of the soul (Psalms 63:1). The soul wants God, as the thirsty land the refreshing showers, as the opening flower the sunbeam. II. The greatest faith of the soul (Psalms 63:3). Lovingkindness i... [ Continue Reading ]
_To see Thy power and Thy glory, so am I have seen Thee in the sanctuary._ THE POWER AND GLORY OF GOD, THE BELIEVER’S ATTRACTION TO THE SANCTUARY Desires are, in some respects, better evidences of real religion than actions themselves, You may be compelled to act,--you cannot be compelled to desir... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee._ THE SAINT’S ESTIMATE OF GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS This psalm is called “A psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.” What prayers have been prayed by men in the wilderness,--by men in the darkness and mystery of li... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thus will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up mine hand in Thy Name._ DAVID BLESSING GOD AND PRAYING TO HIM In this verse we have David engaging himself to God in two particulars. First, to the blessing of God, “Thus will I bless Thee while I live.” And secondly, to praying to Him, “I will... [ Continue Reading ]
_My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips._ A TASTE FOR DEVOTION I. What we understand by the piety of taste and sentiment. Suppose two pupils of a philosopher, both emulous to make a proficiency in science; both attentive to the maxims... [ Continue Reading ]
_Have I not remembered Thee in my bed, and thought upon Thee when I was waking?_ THE SAINT DEVOUT BY NIGHT Night piety is-- 1. Commanded (Deuteronomy 6:7; Joshua 1:8; Lamentations 2:19). 2. Exemplified (Psalms 119:55; Psalms 119:147; Luke 6:12). 3. Profitable (Psalms 16:7;... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice._ THE REMEMBRANCE OF PAST MERCIES AN INDUCEMENT TO PRESENT CONFIDENCE IN GOD This psalm is not one of complaint or sorrow, nor of settled joy, but of the transition from the one to the other. David has just recove... [ Continue Reading ]
_My soul followeth hard after Thee, Thy right hand upholdeth me._ ENDEAVOUR AND SUPPORT I. The effort which the Christian makes. “My soul followeth hard after Thee.” This seen in his-- 1. Uniform obedience to God. This obedience spiritual, of the heart; and universal. 2. Lively faith in the prom... [ Continue Reading ]