How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Sermons There are three great sayings here which deserve our deepest study. First, God's "righteousness," that perfection of his character which secures perfect justice in all his doings. It is like "the mountains," so high that it is always above us, so fixed and stable that it cannot be moved. Then God's "judgments" - his ways, his dealings with men - are called a "great deep," as being in many respects beyond our sounding or measuring, unfathomable and full of mystery (Psalm 77:19). Last, there is God's providential care. It is said, "How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God!" (vers. 6, 7). But while these sayings are very striking and beautiful, looked at by themselves, they become vastly more significant and consolatory when we regard them in their relationship. Suppose we take the second, and place it in the light of the first and then of the third. In the "great deep" there is much that is awful and perplexing. But if there be mystery, this should not surprise us. We are but children. How can the finite comprehend the Infinite! But this mystery has its uses: it teaches us humility; it inspires us with reverence; it prepares the way for faith and hope and love. But much depends on our standpoint. See how different things become when we look at "the great deep" from the sure ground of the everlasting hills. It is significant that the psalmist speaks of the "mountains" before the "great deep," of the "righteousness" of God before his "judgments." Here is a lesson for us. Let us first make sure as to God's righteousness. Then when our hearts are established in this truth, we can look abroad without fear of the great deep of God's judgments. Even if, like Paul, tossed up and down "in Adria," the assurance of God's righteousness will give us peace, and sustain our hopes; and when we reach the shore again, we can look back, as from Melita, with thankful love and praise to God's ways and wonders in the deep. Then, further, when we take up the third great saying here, the light increases, and the sense of God's gracious presence and care becomes stronger and stronger. How often is it so in God's Word and works! Side by side with some grand manifestation of his greatness and majesty, we have some tender touch that speaks of his fatherly love and care. Whensoever, then, we are oppressed and appalled by the sight of the "great deep," let us call to mind, on the one hand, God's "righteousness;" and, on the other, God's love - that we may be comforted. Before us is the "great deep," with many things that are terrible and distressing - the shipwreck of dear hopes, the burying out of sight of beloved ones, the mystery of trial and of death - but, standing on the sure ground of God's righteousness, we may possess our souls in patience; and, contemplating the manifold and increasing proofs of God's love and goodness in our daily life, we may take heart, and say, "He cannot will me aught but good; I trust him utterly." Let us learn to take the right order in considering God's works. We should begin with what is plain and certain. We should study the dark things in the light of what is clear, the mysteries by what is revealed. Further, mark the importance of making much of common mercies, that we may be the better prepared for uncommon emergencies. God is educating us. When we know him as caring for us in little things, we can trust him to care for us in greater things (Matthew 6:30-34). If we have learned to run with the footmen without being weary, we can better contend with horses. If we do our duty and serve God in the land of peace, then we shall be the fitter to face the swelling of Jordan (Jeremiah 12:5). Above all, let us remember that only in God can we find a sure Refuge from all trouble (ver. 7). Though griefs unnumbered throng thee round, How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God. Helps for the Pulpit. I. THE SUBJECT OF THE TEXT. "Thy loving-kindness, O God."1. Manifested — (1) (2) (3) 2. Felt or experienced — (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) II. ITS EXCELLENCE. This appears — 1. In being manifested to the most unworthy. 2. In the multitude of blessings of which it is the source. 3. It gives security in all dangers, and produces confidence. 4. It is infinitely satisfying. 5. It is constant. 6. It is pregnant with prospective blessedness and ineffable glory.APPLICATION. 1. Does your experience lead you to admire this loving-kindness? 2. If not, it is a proof of slothfulness, and barrenness, and calls for repentance. 3. However much of this loving-kindness you enjoy now, it is but a foretaste. (Helps for the Pulpit.) (J. H. Jowett, M.A.) 1. God's loving-kindness is most excellent, that is, His favour and good-will (Psalm 30:5; Psalm 63:3; Psalm 106:4).(1) In regard of the subject of it, by considering whose it is.(2) In regard of the fulness of it. He that hath but God's favour, what can he be said to want? There's nothing here in the world, but when a man has as much of it as his heart can wish, yet he will still want somewhat with it, and that sometimes which he can least be without; but he that hath an interest in God's loving-kindness, he hath all good things made over to him, so far forth as he hath use and need of them.(3) In regard of the efficacy of it, it is such as is of sweet influence wheresoever it is; it makes comforts to be so much the more comfortable, and it makes crosses to be so much the more tolerable and beneficial.(4) For its freeness and impartiality.(5) For its continuance and duration. Whom He loves, He loves to the end (Isaiah 54:8). 2. The psalmist blesses God for His activity of goodness to His church, for that loving-kindness which does put itself forth in His proceedings and dispensations to them. Now this also as well as the former is very excellent, and that in these regards.(1) In regard of the substance of it, and the materials whereof it consists, which are various. God has shown His loving. kindness to His church in divers expressions. In giving them His Son for their redemption, and reconciliation to Himself; how excellent is His loving-kindness here (Romans 8:32). In the ordinances and means of grace. In His Spirit, and the workings thereof, whereby His ordinances and ministry are made effectual to those who enjoy them. In His care of it, and providence towards it.(2) In regard of the extent of it, enlarging and diffusing itself.(3) In regard of the peculiarity and appropriation of it. II. CONSIDER THE WORDS REFLEXIVELY, AS COMING FROM THE PSALMIST. 1. Here is a sound judgment. 2. A special favour. David does not only speak here out of judgment, and the strength of his understanding; but out of sense and the certainty of his experience, who had found and felt the workings of this special favour, and accordingly speaks triumphantly about it. The frequent thoughts upon this point are such as may be very beneficial to us; and may have a very great influence upon our lives.(1) To quicken us to duty, and to make us so much the more diligent in our business.(2) To restrain us from sin, and to make us so much the more shy of our miscarriages.(3) To satisfy us in our afflictions, and to make us more contented with our condition. 3. Here is a thankful acknowledgment. 4. Here is a joyful publication (Psalm 92:2) calls for showing forth the loving-kindness of the Lord (Psalm 63:8). (T. Herren, D. D.) Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. I. THEIR CHARACTER. They highly esteem the loving-kindness of God.II. THEIR PRIVILEGES. 1. "They shall be abundantly satisfied," etc. 2. They drink of the river of His pleasures. All joy is theirs. (D. Rees.) Links Psalm 36:7 NIVPsalm 36:7 NLT Psalm 36:7 ESV Psalm 36:7 NASB Psalm 36:7 KJV Psalm 36:7 Bible Apps Psalm 36:7 Parallel Psalm 36:7 Biblia Paralela Psalm 36:7 Chinese Bible Psalm 36:7 French Bible Psalm 36:7 German Bible Psalm 36:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |