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Psalms 62:8
Verse
Context
Waiting on God
7My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. 8Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah 9Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Joshua Daniel
James Malachi Jennings
George Verwer
Mary Wilder Tileston
Ralph ErskineSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
pour out your heart--give full expression to feeling (Sa1 1:15; Job 30:16; Psa 42:4). ye people--God's people.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Trust in him at all times, ye people,.... Of the house of Israel, as the Targum; or of God, as Aben Ezra; all that are Israelites indeed, and are the Lord's covenant people; these are exhorted and encouraged to trust in him; not in a creature, nor in any outward thing, in riches, wisdom, strength, birth, privileges, the law, and the works of it; in their own righteousness, in their hearts, in themselves or in others; but in the Lord only, both for temporal and spiritual blessings: the Targum is, "in his Word"; his essential Word, by whom the world was made, and who, in the fulness of time, was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and who is a proper object of trust; in him should the people of God trust; in his person for acceptance with God, in his righteousness for justification, in his blood for pardon, in his grace for supply, and in his strength for support, deliverance, and salvation, and that "at all times": there is no time excepted; there is not a moment in which the Lord is not to be trusted in: he is to be trusted in in adversity as well as in prosperity; in times of affliction, when he is present, and will not forsake; in times of temptation, when his grace is sufficient for them; and in times of darkness, when he will arise and appear unto them; pour out your heart before him: as Hannah did, Sa1 1:15; and as water is poured out, Lam 2:19; it means the desires of the heart, the complaints of the soul, the whole of their case which they should spread before the Lord, and make known unto him; see Psa 102:1, title, and Psa 142: 2; the phrase denotes the abundance of the heart, and of its requests, and the freedom with which they should be made to the Lord; for through the blood and sacrifice of Christ a believer may come to the throne of grace with boldness and liberty, and there freely tell the Lord all his mind, and all that is in his heart; God is a refuge for us; to whom the saints may have recourse in all their times of trouble, and where they find safety and plenty, Isa 33:16. Selah; on this word; see Gill on Psa 3:2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have David's exhortation to others to trust in God and wait upon him, as he had done. Those that have found the comfort of the ways of God themselves will invite others into those ways; there is enough in God for all the saints to draw from, and we shall have never the less for others sharing with us. I. He counsels all to wait upon God, as he did, Psa 62:8. Observe, 1. To whom he gives this good counsel: You people (that is, all people); all shall be welcome to trust in God, for he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth, Psa 65:5. You people of the house of Israel (so the Chaldee); they are especially engaged and invited to trust in God, for he is the God of Israel; and should not a people seek unto their God? 2. What the good counsel is which he gives. (1.) To confide in God: "Trust in him; deal with him, and be willing to deal upon trust; depend upon him to perform all things for you, upon his wisdom and goodness, his power and promise, his providence and grace. Do this at all times." We must have an habitual confidence in God always, must live a life of dependence upon him, must so trust in him at all times as not at any time to put that confidence in ourselves, or in any creature, which is to be put in him only; and we must have an actual confidence in God upon all occasions, trust in him upon every emergency, to guide us when we are in doubt, to protect us when we are in danger, to supply us when we are in want, to strengthen us for every good word and work. (2.) To converse with God: Pour out your heart before him. The expression seems to allude to the pouring out of the drink-offerings before the Lord. When we make a penitent confession of sin our hearts are therein poured out before God, Sa1 7:6. But here it is meant of prayer, which, if it be as it should be, is the pouring out of the heart before God. We must lay our grievances before him, offer up our desires to him with all humble freedom, and then entirely refer ourselves to his disposal, patiently submitting our wills to his: this is pouring out our hearts. 3. What encouragement he gives us to take this good counsel: God is a refuge for us, not only my refuge (Psa 62:7), but a refuge for us all, even as many as will flee to him and take shelter in him. II. He cautions us to take heed of misplacing our confidence, in which, as much as in any thing, the heart is deceitful, Jer 17:5-9. Those that trust in God truly (Psa 62:1) will trust in him only, Psa 62:5. 1. Let us not trust in the men of this world, for they are broken reeds (Psa 62:9): Surely men of low degree are vanity, utterly unable to help us, and men of high degree are a lie, that will deceive us if we trust to them. Men of low degree, one would think, might be relied on for their multitude and number, their bodily strength and service, and men of high degree for their wisdom, power, and influence; but neither the one nor the other are to be depended on. Of the two, men of high degree are mentioned as the more deceiving; for they are a lie, which denotes not only vanity, but iniquity. We are not so apt to depend upon men of low degree as upon the king and the captain of the host, who, by the figure they make, tempt us to trust in them, and so, when they fail us, prove a lie. But lay them in the balance, the balance of the scripture, or rather make trial of them, see how they will prove, whether they will answer your expectations from them or no, and you will write Tekel upon them; they are alike lighter than vanity; there is no depending upon their wisdom to advise us, their power to act for us, their good-will to us, no, nor upon their promises, in comparison with God, nor otherwise than in subordination to him. 2. Let us not trust in the wealth of this world, let not that be made our strong city (Psa 62:10): Trust not in oppression; that is, in riches got by fraud and violence, because where there is a great deal it is commonly got by indirect scraping or saving (our Saviour calls it the mammon of unrighteousness, Luk 16:9), or in the arts of getting riches. "Think not, either because you have got abundance or are in the way of getting, that therefore you are safe enough; for this is becoming vain in robbery, that is, cheating yourselves while you think to cheat others." He that trusted in the abundance of his riches strengthened himself in his wickedness (Psa 52:7); but at his end he will be a fool, Jer 17:11. Let none be so stupid as to think of supporting themselves in their sin, much less of supporting themselves in this sin. Nay, because it is hard to have riches and not to trust in them, if they increase, though by lawful and honest means, we must take heed lest we let out our affections inordinately towards them: "Set not your heart upon them; be not eager for them, do not take a complacency in them as the rest of your souls, nor put a confidence in them as your portion; be not over-solicitous about them; do not value yourselves and others by them; make not the wealth of the world your chief good and highest end: in short, do not make an idol of it." This we are most in danger of doing when riches increase. When the grounds of the rich man brought forth plentifully, then he said to his soul, Take thy ease in these things, Luk 12:19. It is a smiling world that is most likely to draw the heart away from God, on whom only it should be set. III. He gives a very good reason why we should make God our confidence, because he is a God of infinite power, mercy, and righteousness, Psa 62:11, Psa 62:12. This he himself was well assured of and would have us be assured of it: God has spoken once; twice have I heard this; that is, 1. "God has spoken it, and I have heard it, once, yea, twice. He has spoken it, and I have heard it by the light of reason, which easily infers it from the nature of the infinitely perfect Being and from his works both of creation and providence. He has spoken it, and I have heard once, yea, twice (that is, many a time), by the events that have concerned me in particular. He has spoken it and I have heard it by the light of revelation, by dreams and visions (Job 4:15), by the glorious manifestation of himself upon Mount Sinai" (to which, some think, it does especially refer), "and by the written word." God has often told us what a great and good God he is, and we ought as often to take notice of what he has told us. Or, 2. "Though God spoke it but once, I heard it twice, heard it diligently, not only with my outward ears, but with my soul and mind." To some God speaks twice and they will not hear once; but to others he speaks but once, and they hear twice. Compare Job 33:14. Now what is it which is thus spoken and thus heard? (1.) That the God with whom we have to do is infinite in power. Power belongs to God; he is almighty, and can do every thing; with him nothing is impossible. All the powers of all the creatures are derived form him, depend upon him, and are used by him as he pleases. His is the power, and to him we must ascribe it. This is a good reason why we should trust in him at all times and live in a constant dependence upon him; for he is able to do all that for us which we trust in him for. (2.) That he is a God of infinite goodness. Here the psalmist turns his speech to God himself, as being desirous to give him the glory of his goodness, which is his glory: Also unto thee, O Lord! belongeth mercy. God is not only the greatest, but the best, of beings. Mercy is with him, Psa 130:4, Psa 130:7. He is merciful in a way peculiar to himself; he is the Father of mercies, Co2 1:3. This is a further reason why we should trust in him, and answers the objections of our sinfulness and unworthiness; though we deserve nothing but his wrath, yet we may hope for all good from his mercy, which is over all his works. (3.) That he never did, nor ever will do, any wrong to any of his creatures: For thou renderest to every man according to his work. Though he does not always do this visibly in this world, yet he will do it in the day of recompence. No service done him shall go unrewarded, nor any affront given him unpunished, unless it be repented of. By this it appears that power and mercy belong to him. If he were not a God of power, there are sinners that would be too great to be punished. And if he were not a God of mercy there are services that would be too worthless to be rewarded. This seems especially to bespeak the justice of God in judging upon appeals made to him by wronged innocency; he will be sure to judge according to truth, in giving redress to the injured and avenging them on those that have been injurious to them, Kg1 8:32. Let those therefore that are wronged commit their cause to him and trust to him to plead it.
Psalms 62:8
Waiting on God
7My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. 8Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah 9Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Place to Hide
By Jim Cymbala5.0K19:34The Power of PrayerChristian LifeGod's ProtectionPSA 36:7PSA 46:1PSA 62:8PSA 91:1ISA 41:10MAT 11:28LUK 13:34JHN 14:27ACT 3:19JAS 2:19Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains that true trust in God is demonstrated through prayer and running to Him in times of need, highlighting that many people fail to experience this refuge due to a lack of genuine faith. Cymbala encourages believers to seek God's presence, especially during times of trouble, as it is there that they can find peace, direction, and healing. He reminds the congregation that God invites everyone to come and hide under His wings, offering protection from life's challenges and the enemy's accusations. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper reliance on God through prayer and a recognition of His constant love and care.
My Expectation Is From the Lord - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel75828:30EXO 14:13PSA 46:1PSA 62:5PSA 62:8PRO 3:5MAT 8:2MRK 11:24HEB 11:1JAS 1:6REV 3:14
This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of placing our expectation and trust solely in God, highlighting the impact of faith and unwavering belief in God's power to bring about miraculous transformations. Daniel shares personal experiences and reflections on how a life dedicated to serving God can lead to profound blessings and spiritual fulfillment, contrasting worldly pursuits with eternal values. The message encourages listeners to seek refuge in God, maintain faith in challenging times, and approach Him with a reasonable and unshakeable expectation.
God's Peace Guarding You From Anxious Thoughts by James Jennings
By James Malachi Jennings57255:48PSA 55:22PSA 62:8PSA 139:2PHP 4:6PHP 4:19COL 3:15
This sermon delves into Philippians chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of not being anxious but instead bringing all requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving. The passage highlights the promise of God's peace that surpasses understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The speaker encourages a life of constant prayer, a heart of thankfulness, and a focus on Christlike living to experience this supernatural peace. The nearness of the Lord is emphasized, both in His presence to help and in the reminder of His imminent return for judgment. The message urges believers to trust in God's provision, practice thanksgiving, and maintain a mind stayed on Him to receive and abide in His perfect peace.
Cd Gv506 Om India Policy
By George Verwer53900:00PSA 37:5PSA 48:1PSA 62:8PSA 95:2PRO 16:9ROM 12:5JAS 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for unity and the importance of helping supply personnel for Bombay. They emphasize the complexity of the situation and the need for prayer. The speaker also shares their experience of listening and learning from people in a different part of the world, including their thoughts on Americans and British people. They mention the importance of personal support and making changes in their relationship with churches.
The Helper
By Mary Wilder Tileston01KI 8:56PSA 62:8PRO 3:5ISA 40:31ISA 54:10Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the unwavering kindness and peace of the Lord, emphasizing that His promises never fail and His mercy endures forever. She highlights the divine purpose instilled in each person by their Creator, empowering them to overcome any challenges they may face. Tileston encourages believers to find hope and rest in the omnipotent Helper, who is loving, willing, and wise, guiding them through all circumstances with patience and trust in God's providence.
The Right Rule of Our Love to Christ
By Ralph Erskine0PSA 55:22PSA 62:8MAT 11:28JHN 3:16COL 1:19HEB 4:15Ralph Erskine emphasizes the importance of loving Christ as the Father loves Him. Our love for Christ should mirror the Father's love by choosing Him as our Savior and Surety, just as God chose Him for that purpose. We are called to entrust all aspects of our lives to Christ, just as the Father entrusted all things into His hand, including our hearts, souls, plagues, corruptions, wants, work, and burdens. By surrendering everything to Christ, we demonstrate our love for Him and acknowledge His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King in our lives.
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 28:7PSA 62:8PSA 146:3PRO 3:5PRO 4:23PRO 17:28EPH 4:291PE 4:11Thomas a Kempis preaches about the challenges of finding faithfulness in people and the importance of putting our trust in God alone, who is entirely faithful in all things. He emphasizes the wisdom of seeking God with a simple heart to avoid deception and find comfort in times of trouble. Kempis also highlights the value of being cautious with our words, seeking God as the discerner of hearts, and keeping heavenly grace by not seeking admiration from others but focusing on fervor and amendment of life.
Our Dependency on Christ
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 62:8PRO 3:52CO 4:7JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches on the purpose of trials and troubles in our lives, emphasizing that they showcase God's strength and grace, teaching us dependence on Him and the importance of trusting in His care. Through difficulties, we learn to lean on God's hand and not on our own strength, ultimately deepening our faith and understanding of His plans for us. The process of facing trials is God's way of refining our faith and preparing us for the eternal blessings He has in store for us.
July 3. 1678. the Tempestuous Voyage: Or the Treasure.
By Jane Lead0PSA 62:8ISA 40:31EPH 6:121JN 5:4REV 3:21Jane Lead preaches about the struggles of the mind to rise above earthly distractions and the importance of faith in overcoming spiritual battles. She emphasizes the need to surrender to God and trust in the Father, Son, and Spirit to conquer all obstacles. Through deep contemplation and divine revelations, she encourages believers to escape the trappings of earthly sensibilities and anchor their faith in the eternal unity of God. Lead highlights the power of Christ's kingdom and the call for valiant spirits to oppose the adversary and usher in the New Jerusalem Bride.
Trust in God Against Slander
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 62:8PRO 3:5ROM 12:2JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of trusting in God's judgment over the opinions of men, emphasizing the need for humility, endurance, and reliance on God's mercy. He highlights that true strength comes from God and that seeking validation from the world reveals a lack of true humility and death to worldly desires. Kempis encourages seeking God in every decision, acknowledging His omniscience and righteous judgment that surpasses human understanding.
Prayer
By James Smith0PSA 62:8PSA 145:18MAT 7:7EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 5:16James Smith preaches on the essence and power of real prayer, emphasizing that it involves communicating our needs, fears, and desires to God, seeking His guidance, provision, and blessings. He highlights that prayer is a privilege, a duty, and a means to confess sins, plead God's promises, and receive new blessings. Smith underscores that spiritual prayer is a result of the Holy Spirit's work, rooted in God's revelation and strengthened by the gospel promises. He explains that prayer brings Christ into our hearts, opens heaven to us, and has the power to change circumstances, defeat enemies, and secure victories.
Letter 26
By James Bourne0PSA 62:8PRO 4:23EPH 6:121TH 5:17JAS 4:7James Bourne emphasizes the importance of continuous prayer as a powerful tool in seeking God's help and protection, especially in times of spiritual warfare. He warns against becoming complacent or neglecting personal prayer, as it directly impacts spiritual strength. Bourne urges vigilance against worldly influences and encourages a deep reliance on God for wisdom and guidance to avoid falling into temptation. He advises to heed the inner voice of conscience, obey God's Word, and maintain a humble and childlike faith in Christ to prosper in the midst of challenges and trials.
Pure Faith Sees God Alone.
By Francois Fenelon0PSA 62:8PRO 3:5MAT 6:25MAT 6:34PHP 4:6Francois Fenelon preaches about the importance of pure faith in seeing God alone, emphasizing the need to trust in God's provision day by day without worrying about the future. He describes pure faith as constantly keeping the soul in suspense, relying on God's freedom to act while focusing on being faithful in what is within our control. This momentary dependence and peace under the uncertainty of the future is likened to a silent martyrdom, leading to a gradual death to self and complete trust in God's provision.
Don't Panic
By David Wilkerson0Overcoming PanicTrust in GodPSA 62:8PSA 115:11PRO 3:5ISA 41:21HEB 11:6David Wilkerson emphasizes God's patience and invitation for His children to bring their concerns to Him, especially during times of crisis. He reassures that in moments of panic, the Holy Spirit is sent to provide comfort and peace, urging believers to trust in God rather than succumb to fear. Wilkerson highlights the importance of prayer and reliance on God, reminding us that faith is essential to please Him. He warns against the dangers of unbelief and encourages confession and trust in Jesus for deliverance. Ultimately, he reassures that God honors those who place their trust in Him and will respond in His perfect timing.
The Very Soul of Prayer
By Thomas Brooks0The Heart of WorshipSincerity in Prayer1SA 16:7PSA 51:17PSA 62:8PRO 23:26JER 29:13MAT 6:6ROM 10:1HEB 10:22JAS 5:161PE 3:12Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true prayer is rooted in the sincerity of the heart, as expressed in Proverbs 23:26, 'My son, give Me your heart.' He argues that God desires our whole heart in prayer, rather than mere eloquence or formality. Brooks points out that many fail in their prayer life because they do not engage their hearts fully, and that heartfelt prayer leads to divine acknowledgment and reward. He warns that prayers lacking sincerity are empty and ineffective, likening them to mere noise without substance. Ultimately, Brooks teaches that God listens to the heart's cry, and only prayers that stem from a sincere heart are accepted by Him.
Talk to Him
By K.P. Yohannan0PrayerIntimacy With GodPSA 34:18PSA 62:8PSA 73:28JER 29:12MAT 18:3ROM 8:26PHP 4:6HEB 4:16JAS 4:81PE 5:7K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's nearness in prayer, as illustrated in Psalms 73. He encourages believers to approach God with a childlike heart, sharing their burdens, joys, and struggles openly, just as one would with a close friend. This honest communication transforms our perspective on life's challenges and deepens our relationship with God. By pouring out our hearts to Him, we can experience His comfort, healing, and guidance in our lives. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that true intimacy with God comes from unreserved and genuine conversation.
Fixed Seasons
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 55:22PSA 62:8PRO 3:5MAT 11:28PHP 4:6Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of trusting in God at all times, encouraging people to pour out their hearts before Him as He is a refuge for us. She emphasizes the significance of seeking God's presence and smile to make every burden light, turning to Him in moments of tedious toil and anxious care. Tileston also highlights the value of having fixed seasons for lifting up the heart to God, incorporating momentary acts of prayer throughout daily activities to align one's character with God's pattern and diminish self-focus.
The Afflicted Remnant and Their Confiding Trust
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 9:10PSA 27:13PSA 34:18PSA 62:8PRO 3:5ISA 53:5ZEP 3:12ROM 5:3HEB 12:61PE 5:7J.C. Philpot preaches about the significance of God leaving an afflicted and poor people in the midst of Jerusalem, symbolizing the visible church with an invisible, chosen remnant. He emphasizes the spiritual character of this chosen people, marked by being afflicted and poor, leading them to trust in the name of the Lord. Philpot delves into the profound impact of afflictions on God's people, highlighting how temporal, providential, and spiritual afflictions sanctify and draw believers closer to God, fostering trust in Jesus' compassion, righteousness, and atoning blood. He stresses that trust in the Lord is tested through afflictions, ultimately deepening reliance on God's faithfulness and leading to a closer communion with Him.
No Less Than Our All
By David Wilkerson0Complete SurrenderFaith in GodEXO 12:29PSA 62:8PRO 3:5HAB 2:4ACT 5:1David Wilkerson emphasizes that true resignation to God's will requires a genuine act of faith, not just empty words. He illustrates that many people only surrender when they are at their wit's end, but God desires a willing and complete surrender from the start. Using examples from the Bible, such as Pharaoh's reluctant submission and Ananias and Sapphira's deceit, he stresses that God demands our all without reservations. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, acknowledging that surrender is a daily commitment. Ultimately, he reassures that living by faith allows God to guide us through life's challenges.
Sheep in the Father's Hands
By David Wilkerson0Trust in GodResignation to God's CarePSA 37:4PSA 62:8LUK 23:462TI 1:12David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of trusting in God at all times, encouraging believers to resign themselves to His care as an act of faith. He illustrates this concept through Jesus' ultimate example of resignation on the cross, where He committed His spirit into the Father's hands, symbolizing the trust we should have in God's power and mercy. Wilkerson reassures that God promises to take full responsibility for our needs and protect us from evil, urging us to find peace in our resignation to Him. He highlights that true freedom comes from trusting God completely, leading to a life free from fear and anxiety. Ultimately, our Shepherd knows how to care for us, and by resting in His keeping power, we can navigate life's challenges without fear.
All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed in God Alone
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 9:9PSA 46:1PSA 62:8PRO 3:5NAM 1:7Thomas a Kempis preaches about the unwavering trust and comfort found in God alone, emphasizing that true happiness and peace come from being in His presence. He acknowledges that God allows trials and hardships for the good of His loved ones, and that even in the midst of challenges, God's love and faithfulness remain constant. Kempis encourages placing all hope and refuge in God, as He is the source of all good and the ultimate comfort for His servants.
His Heart Is Fixed
By Thomas Watson02SA 22:31PSA 9:10PSA 13:5PSA 32:2PSA 37:7PSA 46:11PSA 62:8PSA 89:33PSA 112:7PRO 18:10PRO 28:1ISA 26:3Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of having a fixed heart in trusting the Lord, highlighting the privileges and blessings of a righteous man who delights in God's commands, including having blessed children, estate, soul, and name. The sermon emphasizes that a righteous man, rooted in faith, will not be afraid of evil tidings, as his heart is steadfast in trusting God's promises. Trusting in God in times of danger involves casting our burdens upon Him, staying ourselves upon Him, and committing our chief treasure to His care.
Then the Ear"¦
By Stanley H. Frodsham0PSA 62:8PSA 63:8MRK 16:18ACT 8:26JAS 5:15Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the intense pursuit of God's heart, drawing inspiration from the attitude of Smith Wigglesworth in following hard after God. Despite facing trials and attempts by the enemy to hinder his zeal, Wigglesworth's faith and passion for soul-winning remained unwavering, leading to miraculous encounters and divine interventions in people's lives. Through stories of perseverance, faith, and divine healing, Wigglesworth's life exemplifies the power of trusting God wholeheartedly and being a vessel for His compassion and miracles.
Asa's Prayer
By James Smith02CH 14:11PSA 62:8PRO 3:5ISA 41:10PHP 4:6James Smith preaches on the powerful prayer of Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:11, highlighting the importance of recognizing our covenant relationship with God in times of trouble. Asa's cry to the Lord demonstrates true faith and reliance on God's omnipotent power, acknowledging that nothing is too difficult for the Lord. By resting in God and going forth in His name, believers can face any multitude of challenges with confidence, knowing that victory comes from the Lord. The plea for God not to let man prevail against Him signifies the believer's complete trust in God's sovereignty and ultimate triumph.
Letter 186.
By James Bourne0PSA 25:14PSA 34:18PSA 62:8PRO 28:13ISA 27:5ISA 40:11ISA 55:6LUK 5:32JAS 4:8James Bourne delivers a heartfelt message to W. B., emphasizing that God is actively working in his soul and urging him to pray for discernment to respond to God's reproof. Bourne advises W. B. to humbly acknowledge his guilt before the compassionate Savior, who calls sinners to repentance. He warns that God will not release W. B. until all conflicts are resolved, urging him to grasp onto Christ's strength for reconciliation. Bourne encourages W. B. to seek earnestly, reminding him that God's judgments are deep but there is always a way out for those who tremble before Him.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
pour out your heart--give full expression to feeling (Sa1 1:15; Job 30:16; Psa 42:4). ye people--God's people.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Trust in him at all times, ye people,.... Of the house of Israel, as the Targum; or of God, as Aben Ezra; all that are Israelites indeed, and are the Lord's covenant people; these are exhorted and encouraged to trust in him; not in a creature, nor in any outward thing, in riches, wisdom, strength, birth, privileges, the law, and the works of it; in their own righteousness, in their hearts, in themselves or in others; but in the Lord only, both for temporal and spiritual blessings: the Targum is, "in his Word"; his essential Word, by whom the world was made, and who, in the fulness of time, was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and who is a proper object of trust; in him should the people of God trust; in his person for acceptance with God, in his righteousness for justification, in his blood for pardon, in his grace for supply, and in his strength for support, deliverance, and salvation, and that "at all times": there is no time excepted; there is not a moment in which the Lord is not to be trusted in: he is to be trusted in in adversity as well as in prosperity; in times of affliction, when he is present, and will not forsake; in times of temptation, when his grace is sufficient for them; and in times of darkness, when he will arise and appear unto them; pour out your heart before him: as Hannah did, Sa1 1:15; and as water is poured out, Lam 2:19; it means the desires of the heart, the complaints of the soul, the whole of their case which they should spread before the Lord, and make known unto him; see Psa 102:1, title, and Psa 142: 2; the phrase denotes the abundance of the heart, and of its requests, and the freedom with which they should be made to the Lord; for through the blood and sacrifice of Christ a believer may come to the throne of grace with boldness and liberty, and there freely tell the Lord all his mind, and all that is in his heart; God is a refuge for us; to whom the saints may have recourse in all their times of trouble, and where they find safety and plenty, Isa 33:16. Selah; on this word; see Gill on Psa 3:2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have David's exhortation to others to trust in God and wait upon him, as he had done. Those that have found the comfort of the ways of God themselves will invite others into those ways; there is enough in God for all the saints to draw from, and we shall have never the less for others sharing with us. I. He counsels all to wait upon God, as he did, Psa 62:8. Observe, 1. To whom he gives this good counsel: You people (that is, all people); all shall be welcome to trust in God, for he is the confidence of all the ends of the earth, Psa 65:5. You people of the house of Israel (so the Chaldee); they are especially engaged and invited to trust in God, for he is the God of Israel; and should not a people seek unto their God? 2. What the good counsel is which he gives. (1.) To confide in God: "Trust in him; deal with him, and be willing to deal upon trust; depend upon him to perform all things for you, upon his wisdom and goodness, his power and promise, his providence and grace. Do this at all times." We must have an habitual confidence in God always, must live a life of dependence upon him, must so trust in him at all times as not at any time to put that confidence in ourselves, or in any creature, which is to be put in him only; and we must have an actual confidence in God upon all occasions, trust in him upon every emergency, to guide us when we are in doubt, to protect us when we are in danger, to supply us when we are in want, to strengthen us for every good word and work. (2.) To converse with God: Pour out your heart before him. The expression seems to allude to the pouring out of the drink-offerings before the Lord. When we make a penitent confession of sin our hearts are therein poured out before God, Sa1 7:6. But here it is meant of prayer, which, if it be as it should be, is the pouring out of the heart before God. We must lay our grievances before him, offer up our desires to him with all humble freedom, and then entirely refer ourselves to his disposal, patiently submitting our wills to his: this is pouring out our hearts. 3. What encouragement he gives us to take this good counsel: God is a refuge for us, not only my refuge (Psa 62:7), but a refuge for us all, even as many as will flee to him and take shelter in him. II. He cautions us to take heed of misplacing our confidence, in which, as much as in any thing, the heart is deceitful, Jer 17:5-9. Those that trust in God truly (Psa 62:1) will trust in him only, Psa 62:5. 1. Let us not trust in the men of this world, for they are broken reeds (Psa 62:9): Surely men of low degree are vanity, utterly unable to help us, and men of high degree are a lie, that will deceive us if we trust to them. Men of low degree, one would think, might be relied on for their multitude and number, their bodily strength and service, and men of high degree for their wisdom, power, and influence; but neither the one nor the other are to be depended on. Of the two, men of high degree are mentioned as the more deceiving; for they are a lie, which denotes not only vanity, but iniquity. We are not so apt to depend upon men of low degree as upon the king and the captain of the host, who, by the figure they make, tempt us to trust in them, and so, when they fail us, prove a lie. But lay them in the balance, the balance of the scripture, or rather make trial of them, see how they will prove, whether they will answer your expectations from them or no, and you will write Tekel upon them; they are alike lighter than vanity; there is no depending upon their wisdom to advise us, their power to act for us, their good-will to us, no, nor upon their promises, in comparison with God, nor otherwise than in subordination to him. 2. Let us not trust in the wealth of this world, let not that be made our strong city (Psa 62:10): Trust not in oppression; that is, in riches got by fraud and violence, because where there is a great deal it is commonly got by indirect scraping or saving (our Saviour calls it the mammon of unrighteousness, Luk 16:9), or in the arts of getting riches. "Think not, either because you have got abundance or are in the way of getting, that therefore you are safe enough; for this is becoming vain in robbery, that is, cheating yourselves while you think to cheat others." He that trusted in the abundance of his riches strengthened himself in his wickedness (Psa 52:7); but at his end he will be a fool, Jer 17:11. Let none be so stupid as to think of supporting themselves in their sin, much less of supporting themselves in this sin. Nay, because it is hard to have riches and not to trust in them, if they increase, though by lawful and honest means, we must take heed lest we let out our affections inordinately towards them: "Set not your heart upon them; be not eager for them, do not take a complacency in them as the rest of your souls, nor put a confidence in them as your portion; be not over-solicitous about them; do not value yourselves and others by them; make not the wealth of the world your chief good and highest end: in short, do not make an idol of it." This we are most in danger of doing when riches increase. When the grounds of the rich man brought forth plentifully, then he said to his soul, Take thy ease in these things, Luk 12:19. It is a smiling world that is most likely to draw the heart away from God, on whom only it should be set. III. He gives a very good reason why we should make God our confidence, because he is a God of infinite power, mercy, and righteousness, Psa 62:11, Psa 62:12. This he himself was well assured of and would have us be assured of it: God has spoken once; twice have I heard this; that is, 1. "God has spoken it, and I have heard it, once, yea, twice. He has spoken it, and I have heard it by the light of reason, which easily infers it from the nature of the infinitely perfect Being and from his works both of creation and providence. He has spoken it, and I have heard once, yea, twice (that is, many a time), by the events that have concerned me in particular. He has spoken it and I have heard it by the light of revelation, by dreams and visions (Job 4:15), by the glorious manifestation of himself upon Mount Sinai" (to which, some think, it does especially refer), "and by the written word." God has often told us what a great and good God he is, and we ought as often to take notice of what he has told us. Or, 2. "Though God spoke it but once, I heard it twice, heard it diligently, not only with my outward ears, but with my soul and mind." To some God speaks twice and they will not hear once; but to others he speaks but once, and they hear twice. Compare Job 33:14. Now what is it which is thus spoken and thus heard? (1.) That the God with whom we have to do is infinite in power. Power belongs to God; he is almighty, and can do every thing; with him nothing is impossible. All the powers of all the creatures are derived form him, depend upon him, and are used by him as he pleases. His is the power, and to him we must ascribe it. This is a good reason why we should trust in him at all times and live in a constant dependence upon him; for he is able to do all that for us which we trust in him for. (2.) That he is a God of infinite goodness. Here the psalmist turns his speech to God himself, as being desirous to give him the glory of his goodness, which is his glory: Also unto thee, O Lord! belongeth mercy. God is not only the greatest, but the best, of beings. Mercy is with him, Psa 130:4, Psa 130:7. He is merciful in a way peculiar to himself; he is the Father of mercies, Co2 1:3. This is a further reason why we should trust in him, and answers the objections of our sinfulness and unworthiness; though we deserve nothing but his wrath, yet we may hope for all good from his mercy, which is over all his works. (3.) That he never did, nor ever will do, any wrong to any of his creatures: For thou renderest to every man according to his work. Though he does not always do this visibly in this world, yet he will do it in the day of recompence. No service done him shall go unrewarded, nor any affront given him unpunished, unless it be repented of. By this it appears that power and mercy belong to him. If he were not a God of power, there are sinners that would be too great to be punished. And if he were not a God of mercy there are services that would be too worthless to be rewarded. This seems especially to bespeak the justice of God in judging upon appeals made to him by wronged innocency; he will be sure to judge according to truth, in giving redress to the injured and avenging them on those that have been injurious to them, Kg1 8:32. Let those therefore that are wronged commit their cause to him and trust to him to plead it.