Psalms 119:145-152 - Homilies By S. Conway

The cry.

Very much are we told of it.

I. ITS EARNESTNESS . It was "with the whole heart" ( Psalms 119:145 ). The very word "cry," repeated in this section so often, is full of suggestion as to what kind of seeking God this is. It denotes not only earnestness, but also sense of helplessness: if a man could do anything he would not "cry." It indicates, too, humility, simplicity, trust. It is the kind of prayer that has prevailing power

II. ITS PETITION . "Save me" ( Psalms 119:146 ). We know not what the nature of the peril was in which he then was, but it was evidently very great. This petition, though very concise, is very complete and direct and definite. We have many such prayers recorded. Blessed is it when the soul seeks to be saved—seeks with a cry like this told of here! If we knew our need of salvation, there would be more such crying unto the Lord.

III. ITS SEASONS OF UTTERANCE . ( Psalms 119:147 , Psalms 119:148 .) Very untimely they seem. Sleep, surely, should have claimed such seasons. Very early in the morning, in the dim twilight, and through the silent watches of the night. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence," etc. ( Matthew 11:12 ). Here was one of these violent ones. Blessed is the soul that is stirred to such intensity of earnest seeking as this man was!

IV. ITS TRUSTED PLEA . "Thy loving-kindness." ( Psalms 119:149 .) As suppliants for mercy, not as demanders of right due to us, must we come to God. As the publican, not the Pharisee.

V. ITS PROMPTING MOTIVE . ( Psalms 119:150 .) The drawing nigh of ungodly men. When we are going into the company of such, as we often have to do, we should specially seek for grace to be faithful and true. Here is a fit preparation for such a peril.

VI. ITS ENCOURAGEMENT . ( Psalms 119:151 .) True, they that follow after mischief are drawing nigh, but then, thou, Lord, art nigh likewise. Blessed recollection is this. It has helped God's people many a time, and ever will.

VII. ITS UNDERLYING CONVICTION AND SUPPORT . ( Psalms 119:152 .) He who possesses this will go to God, not as one who thinks his prayer may possibly do some good, there is just a chance—what a vast deal of prayer is of this sad sort!—but as one who knows that he cannot seek the Lord in vain.

VIII. ITS SUPREME AND CONSTANT AIM - HOLINESS OF HEART AND LIFE . See in every verse of the section how this aim is directly or indirectly avowed. To be right with God was his abiding desire.—S.C.