Psa_63:7. The Help and Refuge of the Godly
"Because thou hast been ray help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."’97Psa_63:7.
I. The experimental Retrospect.
"Thou hast been my help." Not only docs he acknowledge God as a help, but as his help, "Mine." Now, this experience is the common experience of all God’s people. Go back to the period of conviction. Remember your sinful, wretched, helpless estate. How were ye healed, delivered, &c.? Who opened your eyes, oars? Whose arm, &c.? You waited upon the Lord, and he heard you, &c. You cried, Jesus, thou Son of David,"
&c. Like the woman of Canaan you groaned, "Lord, help me," &c. Remember the various scenes of providential perplexity, &c. How often in straits; how often all has been dreary, &c., barren. Foes risen up. Friends deserted. Bereaved of relations. Prospects blighted &c. And you said, in the bitterness of your spirit, "Oh. that I had never been born." "All these things make against me." But the Lord rebuked the tempest He turned the stream of your captivity. "At eventide it was light." Remember the seasons of spiritual distress and anxiety The Christian not always on the mount. Sometimes called to have fellowship with temptation, and darkness of mind. Perhaps, seasons, when the divine character seemed doubtful. Promises uncertain. Hope, not as an anchor firm, but dragging. Peace unsettled. Well, how did you get extricated? By reasoning? No! But you said, "Lord, lead me to the rock," &c. "Lord, help me;" and he did. The sun shone, &c. Darkness vanished. And then you could "read your title clear in mansions in the skies."
II. His pious Resolution.
"Therefore," &c.
1. The place of his trust.
"Under the shadow of his wings." Psa_17:8; Deu_32:11; Rth_2:12. Now, all that a believer hath is secure beneath the shadow of the divine wings. His person, body and soul; his household; his property; yea, his all.
2. The feelings he would cultivate respecting it.
"Will I rejoice."
1. In the divinity of his refuge.
"Thy." Whatever God is, or does, is supereminently excellent.
2. In the extent of his refuge.
"Shadow of his wings." Spread over immensity. At home, abroad, desert, sea &c, heaven, hades, &c.
3. In the permanency of it.
Not like Jonah’s gourd. Not a temporary protection. Everlasting refuge.
4. In the felicity of it.
Wings of light. God is light. When he overshadowed Israel, &c.
Application
1. The Christian’s state may be checkered.
2. It assuredly will be safe and happy
Autor: JABEZ BURNS