Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks on me: you are my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. I. A HUMBLE CONDITION. "I am poor and needy." Now, a man may be thus — 1. Spiritually — sin has brought them thus low. 2. Experimentally-for they feel it. 3. Comparatively — that is, with the treasures of grace he denies and wants, and which are for him in Christ. 4. Temporally — by reason of earthly affliction and loss. When this comes, remember your Elder Brother, Christ, who had "not where to lay His head." II. EXAMINE THE GLORIOUS ASSURANCE. — "Yet the Lord thinketh upon me." This is — 1. The language of confidence, and that it is well ground is proved by the relations which God holds towards us. He calls Himself deliverer, friend, husband, Father: by His promises and by His works. See how much he has done to justify your hope. Had he a mind to kill you he would not have shown you such mercies as are yours. And how many things there are worthy of particular review in your own history. Think of them. 2. It is the language of wonder. For think of the conduct of men; the greatness of God; our unworthiness. 3. And of consolation, "Yet the Lord," etc. This is enough, and will more than counterbalance all my distresses. This is how it is the believer stands while others sink. Can we say this of ourselves? Is this your portion? How anxious are men to gain the notice of their fellow-creatures, especially if they are a little raised above themselves in condition! "Many will entreat the favour of the prince, and every one is a friend to him that giveth gifts." But in this case you are never sure you shall succeed; and you have gained nothing if you do. Whereas here the success is sure, and the success is everything. Pray, therefore, with Nehemiah, "Think upon me, O my God, for good. Seek the Lord, and ye shall live." O believer! If God thinks upon you, ought you not to think upon Him? David did. If He minds your affairs, be not you forgetful of His. Ever ask, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Ever cry, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. |
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