Psalm 63:8 My soul follows hard after you: your right hand upholds me. I. THE COURSE OF PIETY. — 1. Begins in reconciliation. 2. Goes along the way of God's commandments. 3. Ends in everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. II. THE UPHOLDING OF THE SOUL IN FOLLOWING HARD AFTER GOD IN THE COURSE OF PIETY. 1. The dominion of grace in the soul is maintained. Upheld by almighty strength, it lives and reigns. 2. The dominion of grace in the soul is extended. Under this influence faith increases, hope expands, holiness brightens, and the cross becomes light and easy. 3. The purposes of the heart under the dominion of grace to follow hard after God in the course of piety are accomplished by His upholding the soul with His right hand. III. THE RIGHT HAND WITH WHICH DAVID BELIEVED HIMSELF TO BE UPHELD. 1. His power. Upheld by this attribute which is omnipotent, no weight can crush, no calamity can overwhelm, and no enemy can break the purposes of the pious heart, and turn it off the way of God's commandments. What can He not do? what will He not do? what is He not ready to do for those who are upright before Him, and keep the way of His testimonies? 2. His mercy. In the upholding of power, mercy shines; and in the upholding of mercy, power exerts itself gloriously. What upheld you when your foot slipped? was it not mercy? What kept you out of the gulf of despondency? was it not mercy? What succoured you in the hour of temptation? was it not mercy? What strengthened you under burthens and vexations? was it not mercy?Conclusion. 1. In the practice of unfeigned and lively piety there is reward. 2. Pious souls are upheld in their course. 3. Pious souls are sensible of their being upheld by the right hand of power and mercy. 4. Pious souls acknowledge their upholding by the right hand of the Lord to His praise (A. Shanks.). Parallel Verses KJV: My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.WEB: My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up. |
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