Psalms 31

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM XXXI.—Trust in God never issues in confounding disappointments. Both Jesus and JEHOVAH’s righteousness secure to believing supplicants a speedy deliverance out of every trouble and snare; and fervent prayers in Jesus’ name ensure a quick and comfortable answer. The more we commit ourselves to God, the more we shall experience of his faithfulness in performing his promises; and the more we know of his redeeming power and grace, and of his faithfulness, the more fully we shall commit ourselves to his care in life or in death. When God is our portion we may renounce every thing else as lying vanities. And his unceasing mercies, his sympathy under trouble, his protection from evils, and his increase of blessings, deserve our constant returns of praise. But, though the sins of saints cannot damn them, yet they often severely distress them on earth. And through much conformity to Christ, in the enduring of hatred, reproach, and persecution, they must enter into the celestial kingdom of God. The wicked often abandon themselves to the most false and virulent reproach against Jesus Christ and his people; but distress, death, and judgment, will quickly silence them. Meanwhile, God’s present protection of his people, and the unbounded happiness of heaven, are comforted more than sufficient for the saints to balance all their troubles on earth. Often his great and unexpected mercies shame their unbelief, and rebuke their carnal fear. And O what reason the best have to bewail their repeated and deep despondencies under trouble, and to encourage others to avoid them! For, when we consider our God and his mercies, alas how cold is our love, how weak our faith, and languid our hopes!