Psalm 25:18 Look on my affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. We know not the nature of the sufferings under which David laboured, whether of body or of mind, or both; but this we know, that in all of them his first refuge and his principal relief was prayer. Suffering times are times both of searching and discovery. It is a fire that tries a man's work, a man's temper, and a man's state whether he be really a child of God. If he be not, when suffering comes, his angry almost blasphemous speeches will reveal that. But the good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, will bring forth good things. God being pleased with him, he is pleased with every thing. Hence in affliction, knowing that it is laid on in love, and that he deserves much more, he prays, "Look upon mine affliction," etc. Two things are taught us here — I. THAT A KIND LOOK FROM GOD IS VERY DESIRABLE IN AFFLICTION; for it is — 1. A look of special observation. As to the kind, the degree, and the duration of our affliction. 2. Of tender compassion. 3. Of support and assistance (Exodus 3:7; 2 Chronicles 16:9). Now here we generally stop; if the Lord will but grant us this, it is all we ask, we will not trouble Him for more. We forget our sin. II. THAT THE SWEETEST CORDIAL UNDER AFFLICTION IS THE ASSURANCE OF DIVINE FORGIVENESS (Psalm 32:1; Romans 4:7). 1. Because trouble is very apt to bring our sins to remembrance (Jeremiah 22:21; Genesis 42:21; 1 Kings 17:18; Psalm 40:12). 2. Because a sense of pardon will largely remove all distressing fears of death and judgment. When we feel our flesh wasting and this earthly house of our tabernacle ready to tumble about us, we cannot help inquiring, with a trembling anxiety, "When I am turned out of this house where shall I live next?" And if we have no evidence and no hope of an interest in the Saviour, how terrible the prospect. But if we are forgiven, how all is changed.So then, let us — 1. Praise God that He should condescend so graciously as to look favourably upon us. 2. From former mercies of the Lord, if the Lord is looking upon us, let us hope for future ones. 3. If a kind look from God be so comfortable, what must heaven be? (Samuel Lavington.) Parallel Verses KJV: Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.WEB: Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins. |
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