he safety of those who have God for their refuge. (1-8) Their
favour with Him. (9-16)
Verses 1-8: He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find
all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found
the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire
that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine
grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of
the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome
pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst
of danger. Wisdom shall keep them from being afraid without
cause, and faith shall keep them from being unduly afraid.
Whatever is done, our heavenly Father's will is done; and we
have no reason to fear. God's people shall see, not only God's
promises fulfilled, but his threatenings. Then let sinners come
unto the Lord upon his mercy-seat, through the Redeemer's name;
and encourage others to trust in him also.
Verses 9-16: Whatever happens, nothing shall hurt the believer; though
trouble and affliction befal, it shall come, not for his hurt,
but for good, though for the present it be not joyous but
grievous. Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon
him. They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is,
that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble,
and in the mean time be with him in trouble. The Lord will
manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth,
so long as it shall be good for him. For encouragement in this
he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done
the work he was sent into this world for, and is ready for
heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some
work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young, yet
be satisfied with living. But a wicked man is not satisfied even
with long life. At length the believer's conflict ends; he has
done for ever with trouble, sin, and temptation.
he safety of those who have God for their refuge. (1-8) Their
favour with Him. (9-16)