Psalms 74

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM LXXIV.—Alas! to what melancholy apprehensions of their state and case are the people of God sometimes reduced! They fear that the rod of his correction is the sword of his vengeance. But, though he cast them down, he will never utterly cast them off. They, who are redeemed by Jesus’ blood, shall never perish under the bondage of corruption. The favours which they have received are a presage, and ought to be made a plea, for greater. While worldly minds feel only worldly crosses, the interests of religion, and welfare of the church, are incomparably dearest to the children of God. And, however certain the ruin, which will fall upon the destroyers of his church at last, it is extremely affecting to behold them making havock of God’s truths, ordinances, or people, while there is none to comfort us, or to explain the dark providences. But under sore troubles it is proper to commemorate, and plead upon, God’s former and distinguished mercies. He who divided the Red sea, and destroyed Pharaoh and his host, and who brought waters from the rock for Israel; he, who is the sovereign of nature, can, at his pleasure, command our and his church’s deliverance. Importunate wrestlings and pleadings with God for the relief of his church, which is so dear to him, and for fulfilling his promise, of which he is ever mindful, and for destroying his daring and implacable reproachers, will not long be unanswered. 1