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he faithful lament their calamities, and hope in God's
mercies.
Verses 1-20: The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging part
of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the
time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an
affliction that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of
affliction a bitter cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith
is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he
thinks that his strength and hope are perished from the Lord.
Verses 21-36: Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophet
shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing
to the mercy of God that they are not worse. We should observe
what makes for us, as well as what is against us. God's
compassions fail not; of this we have fresh instances every
morning. Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a
portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be our comfort and
satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of
the Lord. Afflictions do and will work very much for good: many
have found it good to bear this yoke in their youth; it has made
many humble and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who
otherwise would have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work
patience, that patience will work experience, and that
experience a hope that makes not ashamed. Due thoughts of the
evil of sin, and of our own sinfulness, will convince us that it
is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. If we cannot say
with unwavering voice, The Lord is my portion; may we not say, I
desire to have Him for my portion and salvation, and in his word
do I hope? Happy shall we be, if we learn to receive affliction
as laid upon us by the hand of God.
Verses 37-41: While there is life there is hope; and instead of
complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves
with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what
we complain of, is far less than our sins deserve. We should
complain to God, and not of him. We are apt, in times of
calamity, to reflect on other people's ways, and blame them; but
our duty is to search and try our own ways, that we may turn
from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers. If inward
impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God,
and deceive ourselves.
Verses 42-54: The more the prophet looked on the desolations, the more
he was grieved. Here is one word of comfort. While they
continued weeping, they continued waiting; and neither did nor
would expect relief and succour from any but the Lord.
Verses 55-66: Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the
prophet concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the
new man, drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning
it in praises; it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He
silenced their fears, and quieted their spirits. Thou saidst,
Fear not. This was the language of God's grace, by the witness
of his Spirit with their spirits. And what are all our sorrows,
compared with those of the Redeemer? He will deliver his people
from every trouble, and revive his church from every
persecution. He will save believers with everlasting salvation,
while his enemies perish with everlasting destruction.
