Psalms 10:17-18 - Homilies By W. Forsyth

Trial in three aspects.

I. TRIAL AS A PAINFUL INFLICTION . "For the present … grievous" ( Hebrews 12:11 ).

II. As A HOLY DISCIPLINE . There is a "needs be." God means us good, to make us partakers of his holiness.

III. As A SALUTARY EXPERIENCE . David says, "It was good for me that I was afflicted," and he gives reasons for this. Looking hack, humbled and awed, but grateful, we can praise God for his judgments as well as for his mercies. We have the witness in ourselves that God is love, and that when he chastens us it is for our good. Thus we learn to suffer and to wait. The future is bright with hope. In the heavenly world to which we aspire there shall be no more pain, no more sorrow, nor crying, nor tears. Christ will make all things new.—W.F.