Reading The Psalms Daily

[airIam2worship]

continued

Christ's work of redemption. (6-10)

6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ, who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of the Old Testament something was written of him, Joh 19:28. Now the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ, would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his authority.

Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)


11-17 The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God, and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 41:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Ps 41:2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Ps 41:3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Ps 41:4 I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Ps 41:5 ¶ Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?

Ps 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.

Ps 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Ps 41:8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

Ps 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Ps 41:10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

Ps 41:11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

Ps 41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

Ps 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

MHC

 
God's kindness and truth have often been the support and comfort of the saints when they have had most experience of men's unkindness and treachery. David here found them so, upon a sick-bed; he found his enemies very barbarous, but his God very gracious.
 
He here comforts himself in his communion with God under his sickness, by faith receiving and laying hold of God's promises to him (Ps 41:1-3) and lifting up his heart in prayer to God, Ps 41:4.
 
 He here represents the malice of his enemies against him, their malicious censures of him, their spiteful reflections upon him, and their insolent conduct towards him, Ps 41:5-9.
 
He leaves his case with God, not doubting but that he would own and favour him (Ps 41:10-12), and so the psalm concludes with a doxology, Ps 41:13.  Is any afflicted with sickness? let him sing the beginning of this psalm. Is any persecuted by enemies? let him sing the latter end of it; and we may any of us, in singing it, meditate upon both the calamities and comforts of good people in this world.
 
 
In these verses we have, God's promises of succour and comfort to those that consider the poor; and, We may suppose that David makes mention of these with application either,
 
To his friends, who were kind to him, and very considerate of his case, now that he was in affliction: Blessed is he that considers poor David. Here and there he met with one that sympathized with him, and was concerned for him, and kept up his good opinion of him and respect for him, notwithstanding his afflictions, while his enemies were so insolent and abusive to him; on these he pronounced this blessing, not doubting but that God would recompense to them all the kindness they had done him, particularly when they also came to be in affliction. The provocations which his enemies gave him did but endear his friends so much the more to him. Or,
 
To himself. He had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had considered the poor, that when he was in honour and power at court he had taken cognizance of the wants and miseries of the poor and had provided for their relief, and therefore was sure God would, according to his promise, strengthen and comfort him in his sickness.
 
We must regard them more generally with application to ourselves. Here is a comment upon that promise, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Observe,
 
What the mercy is which is required of us. It is to consider the poor or afflicted, whether in mind, body, or estate. These we are to consider with prudence and tenderness; we must take notice of their affliction and enquire into their state, must sympathize with them and judge charitably concerning them. We must wisely consider the poor; that is, we must ourselves be instructed by the poverty and affliction of others; it must be Maschil to us, that is the word here used.

What the mercy is that is promised to us if we thus show mercy. He that considers the poor (if he cannot relieve them, yet he considers them, and has a compassionate concern for them, and in relieving them acts considerately and with discretion) shall be considered by his God: he shall not only be recompensed in the resurrection of the just, but he shall be blessed upon the earth. This branch of godliness, as much as any, has the promise of the life that now is and is usually recompensed with temporal blessings.  Liberality to the poor is the surest and safest way of thriving; such as practise it may be sure of seasonable and effectual relief from God,
 
In all troubles: He will deliver them in the day of evil, so that when the times are at the worst it shall go well with them, and they shall not fall into the calamities in which others are involved; if any be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger, they shall. Those who thus distinguish themselves from those that have hard hearts God will distinguish from those that have hard usage. Are they in danger? he will preserve and keep them alive; and those who have a thousand times forfeited their lives, as the best have, must acknowledge it as a great favour if they have their lives given them for a prey. He does not say,
 
"They shall be preferred," but,
 
"They shall be preserved and kept alive, when the arrows of death fly thickly round about them."
 
Do their enemies threaten them? God will not deliver them into the will of their enemies; and the most potent enemy we have can have no power against us but what is given him from above. The good-will of a God that loves us is sufficient to secure us from the ill-will of all that hate us, men and devils; and that good-will we may promise ourselves an interest in if we have considered the poor and helped to relieve and rescue them.
 
 Particularly in sickness (Ps 41:3): The Lord will strengthen him, both in body and mind, upon the bed of languishing, on which he had long lain sick, and he will make all his bed--a very condescending expression, alluding to the care of those that nurse and tend sick people, especially of mothers for their children when they are sick, which is to make their beds easy for them; and that bed must needs be well made which God himself has the making of. He will make all his bed from head to foot, so that no part shall be uneasy; he will turn his bed (so the word is), to shake it up and make it very easy; or he will turn it into a bed of health. Note, God has promised his people that he will strengthen them, and make them easy, under their bodily pains and sicknesses. He has not promised that they shall never be sick, nor that they shall not lie long languishing, nor that their sickness shall not be unto death; but he has promised to enable them to bear their affliction with patience, and cheerfully to wait the issue. The soul shall by his grace be made to dwell at ease when the body lies in pain.
 
. David's prayer, directed and encouraged by these promises (Ps 41:4): I said, Heal my soul. It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay, in our practices, any thing that we said in our prayers. Here is,
 
 His humble petition: Lord, be merciful to me. He appeals to mercy, as one that knew he could not stand the test of strict justice. The best saints, even those that have been merciful to the poor, have not made God their debtor, but must throw themselves on his mercy. When we are under the rod we must thus recommend ourselves to the tender mercy of our God: Lord, heal my soul.  Sin is the sickness of the soul; pardoning mercy heals it; renewing grace heals it; and this spiritual healing we should be more earnest for than for bodily health.
 
His penitent confession:
 
"I have sinned against thee, and therefore my soul needs healing. I am a sinner, a miserable sinner; therefore, God, be merciful to me,"
 
Lu 18:13. It does not appear that this has reference to any particular gross act of sin, but, in general, to his many sins of infirmity, which his sickness set in order before him, and the dread of the consequences of which made him pray, Heal my soul.


Notice: David did not complain, or go about grumbleing, instead he comforted himself thru communion with God, yes he had a lot to complain about, he was very unhappy, but he found comfort in God by faith and in receiving the promises of God

[airIam2worship]

Ps 42:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.>> As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God

Ps 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Ps 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Ps 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Ps 42:5 Why art th
ou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Ps 42:6 ¶ O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Ps 42:7 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Ps 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Ps 42:9 I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Ps 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

Ps 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.


MHC

Sense objecting, faith answering

  I. Faith begins with holy desires towards God and communion with him, Ps 42:1-2.

  II.  Sense complains of the darkness and cloudiness of the present condition, aggravated by the remembrance of the former enjoyments, Ps 42:3-4.
 
  III. Faith silences the complaint with the assurance of a good issue at last, Ps 42:5.
 
  IV. Sense renews its complaints of the present dark and melancholy state, Ps 42:6-7.
 
  V. Faith holds up the heart, notwithstanding, with hope that the day will dawn, Ps 42:8.
 
  VI.  Sense repeats its lamentations (Ps 42:9-10) and sighs out the same remonstrance it had before made of its grievances.

  VII. Faith gets the last word (Ps 42:11), for the silencing of the complaints of sense, and, though it be almost the same with that Ps 42:5, yet now it prevails and carries the day.

My Words

Here we see the writer of this Psalm, thinking just like we do today.
He was having a battle:

Sense (seeing the things that are happening, around him)

Faith Trusting God

The OT saints did not have more power than the Christians of today, as some may think. They had problems just as we have today.
But they had one thing that a great many people today don't have; faith, coupled with a lot of communication with God.

Today we Christians have more power than the OT saints. We have Jesus, Who  intercedes for us, He is our Advocate. We have the Holy Spirit, Who teaches us and comforts us.

Ro 8:26 ¶  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Ro 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God

Ro 8:31 ¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
 

[Kelly4Jesus]

Oh, you have touched on the one place that really brings the Lord into my heart: Psalms. It isn't that I don't love the entire bible. I do. But Psalms speak directly to me, and I use them to pray.

When I was at my most down points, I started reading Psalms. I would pray to God to point out one or two that gave me strength by the situation I was in. I think God laughed when I said, ONE OR TWO. I found that I couldn't put the book down! Each Psalm had something in it that really hit home and made me praise God even more!

I now read psalms daily and pray with them. I have many bookmarked so, when I am in here on the computer, just for a burst of God in the middle of an Internet with so few Godly places (not this one, of course) out there.

Thank you for posting this! God Bless!
Kelly

[airIam2worship]

Kelly, I am happy these are helping you. I love the Book of Psalms, a great many people do. Some times people have a hard time connecting the Psalms with life today, but God's Word is alive, it is for yesterday, today and forever. I try to post a commentary with the Psalms, and sometimes I even post my own feelings, although I personally think that God provides for each person their needs. If you have any special feelings on any of the Psalms I post, please feel free to post away. It would make for a good study. 

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

[airIam2worship]

Ps 43:1 ¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Ps 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

Ps 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Ps 43:4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Ps 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

MHC

  I. David appeals to God concerning the injuries that were done him by his enemies, Ps 43:1-2.
 
  II. He prays to God to restore to him the free enjoyment of public ordinances again, and promises to make a good improvement of them, Ps 43:3-4.
 
  III. He endeavours to still the tumult of his own spirit with a lively hope and confidence in God (Ps 43:5), and if, in singing this psalm, we labour after these, we sing with grace in our hearts.

Matthew Poole

David, praying against his fierce and crafty enemies, Ps 43:1; and to be restored to the temple, Ps 43:2,3; promiseth to serve God joyfully, Ps 43:4. He encourageth his soul to trust in God, Ps 43:5.

My Thoughts

David often encouraged himself to trust in God. Today Christians would be wise to follow David's example and encourage ourselves in God. We do have the privelege of prayer, whereby we may seek God's face directly, and encouraging ourselves in God is showing we have the faith that our God is always watching after His own.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 44:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.>> We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Ps 44:2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Ps 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

Ps 44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

Ps 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Ps 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

Ps 44:7 But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

Ps 44:8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Ps 44:9 ¶ But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

Ps 44:10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.

Ps 44:11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.

Ps 44:12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.

Ps 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Ps 44:14 Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

Ps 44:15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,

Ps 44:16 For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

Ps 44:17 ¶ All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

Ps 44:18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

Ps 44:19 Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.

Ps 44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;

Ps 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.

Ps 44:22 Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Ps 44:23 Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.

Ps 44:24 Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?

Ps 44:25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.

Ps 44:26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

Comments on next page

[airIam2worship]

MHCC

 
* A petition for succour and relief.
 
  1-8 Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.

9-16 The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above.

17-26 In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Heart sins and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the pleas used, ver. 25,26. Not their own merit and righteousness, but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that for ever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy mercies' sake.


Additional verses to meditate upon

Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Brothers & Sisters
As Christians we will always face difficult situations, although we are not of this world, we are in this world. We should always bring our cares and our tavails to God. God knows all we are going through, but we must always remember that we should come to Him and commune with Him, letting Him fight our battles for us. Once we have given our cares to Him, He will see us through all the difficulties we will face in this life.
By our own strength and merit we are not able to overcome. We must always acknowledge that Jesus is Lord of our life.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 45:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.>> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Ps 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Ps 45:3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

Ps 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

Ps 45:5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.

Ps 45:6 ¶ Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Ps 45:7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Ps 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad

Ps 45:9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Ps 45:10 ¶ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

Ps 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Ps 45:12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Ps 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Ps 45:14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

Ps 45:15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.

Ps 45:16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.

Ps 45:17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

Commentary on following page

[airIam2worship]

MHCC

 
* This psalm is a prophecy of Messiah the Prince, and points to him as a Bridegroom espousing the church to himself, and as a King ruling in it, and for it.
 
  1-5 The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in any creature. This world and its charms are ready to draw away our hearts from Christ; therefore we are concerned to understand how much more worthy he is of our love. By his word, his promise, his gospel, the good will of God is made known to us, and the good work of God is begun and carried on in us. The psalmist, ver. 3-5, joyfully foretells the progress and success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion.

6-9 The throne of this almighty King is established for ever. While the Holy Spirit leads Christ's people to look to his cross, he teaches them to see the evil of sin and the beauty of holiness; so that none of them can feel encouragement to continue in sin. The Mediator is God, else he had been neither able to do the Mediator's work, nor fit to wear the Mediator's crown. God the Father, as his God in respect to his human nature and mediatorial offices, has given to him the Holy Spirit without measure. Thus anointed to be a Prophet, Priest, and King, Christ has pre-eminence in the gladdening gifts and graces of the spirit, and from his fulness communicates them to his brethren in human nature. The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in carrying on his undertaking. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening influences of the Comforter. The excellences of the Messiah, the suitableness of his offices, and the sufficiency of his grace, seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom, by an everlasting covenant, the Lord Jesus has betrothed to himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are compared to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe our adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God.

10-17 If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to Christ's word. We must forget our carnal and sinful attachments and pursuits. He must be our Lord as well as our Saviour; all idols must be thrown away, that we may give him our whole heart. And here is good encouragement, thus to break off from former alliances. The beauty of holiness, both on the church and on particular believers, is, in the sight of Christ, of great price, and very amiable. The work of grace is the workmanship of the Spirit, it is the image of Christ upon the soul, a partaking of the Divine nature. It is clear of all sin, there is none in it, nor any comes from it. There is nothing glorious in the old man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon the soul, every thing is glorious. The robe of Christ's righteousness, which he has wrought out for his church, the Father imputes unto her, and bestows upon her. None are brought to Christ, but those whom the Father brings. This notes the conversion of souls to him. The robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation, the change of raiment Christ has put upon her. Such as strictly cleave to Christ, loving him in singleness of heart, are companions of the bride, who partake of the very same grace, enjoy the same privileges, and share in one common salvation. These, every one, shall be brought to the King; not one lost or left behind. Instead of the Old Testament church, there shall be a New Testament church, a Gentile church. In the believing hope of our everlasting happiness in the other world, let us always keep up the remembrance of Christ, as our only way thither; and transmit the remembrance of him to succeeding generations, that his name may endure for ever.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 46:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Ps 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Ps 46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Ps 46:4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Ps 46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Ps 46:6 ¶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

Ps 46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Ps 46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Ps 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Ps 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Commentary to follow

[airIam2worship]

MHCC

Confidence in God. (1-5)

  1-5 This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid.

An exhortation to behold it. (6-11)

6-11 Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. This shows the perfect security of the church, and is an assurance of lasting peace. Let us pray for the speedy approach of these glorious days, and in silent submission let us worship and trust in our almighty Sovereign. Let all believers triumph in this, that the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, has been, is, and will be with us; and will be our Refuge. Mark this, take the comfort, and say, If God be for us, who can be against us? With this, through life and in death, let us answer every fear.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 47:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Ps 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.

Ps 47:3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

Ps 47:4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.

Ps 47:5 ¶ God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

Ps 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

Ps 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Ps 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

Ps 47:9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.


Commentary on following page

[airIam2worship]

MHCC

 
  1-4 The God with whom we have to do, is a God of awful majesty. The universal and absolute sovereignty of a holy God would be too terrible for us even to think of, were it not exercised by his Son from a mercy-seat; but now it is only terrible to the workers of iniquity. While his people express confidence and joy, and animate each other in serving him, let sinners submit to his authority, and accept his salvation. Jesus Christ shall subdue the Gentiles; he shall bring them as sheep into the fold, not for slaughter, but for preservation. He shall subdue their affections, and make them a willing people in the day of his power. Also it speaks of his giving them rest and settlement. Apply this spiritually; the Lord himself has undertaken to be the inheritance of his people. It shows the faith and submission of the saints. This is the language of every gracious soul, The Lord shall choose my inheritance for me; he knows what is good for me better than I do.

5-9 Praise is a duty in which we ought to be frequent and abundant. But here is a needful rule; Sing ye praises with understanding. As those that understand why and for what reasons they praise God, and what is the meaning of the service. It is not an acceptable service, if it is not a reasonable service. We are never to forget the end of Messiah's exaltation, so continually do the prophets dwell upon the conversion of the nations to the gospel of Christ. Why do we vainly fancy that we belong to him, unless the Spirit reign in our hearts by faith? Lord, is it not thy glory and delight to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins, now that thou art exalted as a Prince and a Saviour? Set up thy kingdom in our hearts. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And so sweetly constrain all the powers and faculties of the souls of thy redeemed, into holy love, fear, and delight in thee, that praise with the understanding may rise from every heart, both here and for ever, to Thee, our God.

[airIam2worship]

Ps 48:1 ¶ <<A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

Ps 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Ps 48:3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

Ps 48:4 For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

Ps 48:5 They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

Ps 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

Ps 48:7 Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Ps 48:8 ¶ As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah

Ps 48:9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

Ps 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Ps 48:11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

Ps 48:12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

Ps 48:13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.

Ps 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.


MHCC

  1-7 Jerusalem is the city of our God: none on earth render him due honour except the citizens of the spiritual Jerusalem. Happy the kingdom, the city, the family, the heart, in which God is great, in which he is all. There God is known. The clearer discoveries are made to us of the Lord and his greatness, the more it is expected that we should abound in his praises. The earth is, by sin, covered with deformity, therefore justly might that spot of ground, which was beautified with holiness, be called the joy of the whole earth; that which the whole earth has reason to rejoice in, that God would thus in very deed dwell with man upon the earth. The kings of the earth were afraid of it. Nothing in nature can more fitly represent the overthrow of heathenism by the Spirit of the gospel, than the wreck of a fleet in a storm. Both are by the mighty power of the Lord.

 
8-14 We have here the improvement which the people of God are to make of his glorious and gracious appearances for them. Let our faith in the word of God be hereby confirmed. Let our hope of the stability of the church be encouraged. Let our minds be filled with good thoughts of God. All the streams of mercy that flow down to us, must be traced to the fountain of His loving-kindness. Let us give to God the glory of the great things he has done for us. Let all the members of the church take comfort from what the Lord does for his church. Let us observe the beauty, strength, and safety of the church. Consider its strength; see it founded on Christ the Rock, fortified by the Divine power, guarded by Him who neither slumbers nor sleeps. See what precious ordinances are its palaces, what precious promises are its bulwarks, that you may be encouraged to join yourselves to it: and tell this to others. This God, who has now done such great things for us, is unchangeable in his love to us, and his care for us. If he is our God, he will lead and keep us even to the last. He will so guide us, as to set us above the reach of death, so that it shall not do us any real hurt. He will lead us to a life in which there shall be no more death.

My Words

Brothers & Sisters, the Psalms can bring us so much peace, and help us feel the love of God. I truely enjoy taking time to read the Psalms and meditate on them, I pray that those of you who take the time to read thru some of these beautiful Scriptures will learn to lean closer to God and draw strength and knowledge from God's Word.