Psalms 31:19-24 - Homilies By C. Short

Praise and thanksgiving.

From Psalms 31:1 to Psalms 31:8 the Lord may , must , and will help him in his trouble, because he is his God. From Psalms 31:9 to Psalms 31:18 he describes at length his trouble, and brings it to God. From Psalms 31:19 to Psalms 31:24 —

I. THE PSALMIST OBTAINS FROM GOD THE HEARTFELT ASSURANCE OF HELP , AND PRAISES GOD FOR IT .

1 . God ' s goodness is a treasure laid up for future as well as present use and blessing. (Isaiah lair. 4; 1 Corinthians 2:9 .) Same thought in substance in all these passages. Compare with the parable of "the treasure."

2 . God hides and protects those who trust in him — as in a royal pavilion ( Psalms 31:20 ).

3 . God was to the psalmist what a strong city is to those who seek safety. ( Psalms 31:21 .)

4 . God ' s great goodness was shows to him openly and secretly. ( Psalms 31:19 , Psalms 31:20 .) The former to discomfit his enemies, and the latter for his own comfort and faith.

II. MAN 'S UNBELIEF AND THE DIVINE FAITHFULNESS . ( Psalms 31:22 .)

1 . He was is haste , Flying from his enemies , when he said this. We say and do things in panic which we disown in calmer hours. "He that believeth shall not make haste."

2 . But God pardoned his unbelief , and answered the inarticulate cry of the heart.

Ill. LESSONS ADDRESSED TO THE CHURCH , DRAWN FROM HIS OWN EXPERIENCE . ( Psalms 31:23 , Psalms 31:24 .)

1 . What love and reverence we owe to God because of his retributive work! ( Psalms 31:23 .) He preserveth the faithful, and rewardeth the proud. This is good and just.

2 . With what courage we should hope in God ! ( Psalms 31:24 .) He strengthens us by his Spirit to hope and trust in him. From him must be derived the power for every duty and every difficulty. This must be the ground of our courage. —S.