Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hand: deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from them that persecute me. The way of the Christian is often very difficult, and it would often be appalling, and life itself would be mournful were it not for the many consolations to which the pious mind may resort. To such consolations under difficulty the psalmist is clearly referring in our text. I. Briefly ILLUSTRATE THE FACT which the statement of the text comprehends. And — 1. Consider those seasons which are to be especially regarded as under the Divine management. No doubt, all the events of life are under God's control. Some deny this, and men limit the interference of God to the great and momentous affairs of men. But reason and Scripture alike teach (see Psalm 104.) the universal superintendence of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Are not two sparrows sold?" thereby teaching this same truth. The time of prosperity is in God's hand, though men sadly forget this. And the time of affliction, and the time of death. Next — 2. Observe the principles according to which this Divine arrangement is regulated. And(1) Sovereignty. God conducts all His dealings towards men as a Sovereign (see Jeremiah 18.) — the potter and the clay. But — (2) There is also Justice. God can do nothing that is not right. Sovereignty and justice in God are never to be opposed to each other: they are ever associated. (3) Mercy. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed." But for this where would man be? (4) Wisdom. All our events are under God's hand, and these are the principles on which they are regulated and controlled. II. THE RESULTS WHICH THIS RECOGNITION SHOULD PRODUCE. 1. Contentment. How could our affairs be better ordered? Let the poor and the afflicted remember this. 2. Trust, entire and unwavering confidence in God. How can we believe what has been said and not trust? 3. Gratitude. What abundant cause we have, when we look back on our lives, for this feeling towards God. Many an Ebenezer we can inscribe upon our pathway, and if so, should we not praise Him? 4. Anticipation. How calmly and confidently may we look on to the future. Foreboding and fear should be far from us. But to enter into all this we must be reconciled to God in the Lord Jesus Christ. (James Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.WEB: My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. |
    |