Psalms 119:75 - Homilies By C. Short

The use of adversity.

"I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me."

I. A RECOGNITION OF AFFLICTION AS ONE OF GOD 'S JUDGMENTS . God's judgments are:

1. Remarkable punishments which God inflicts for sins . "Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools" ( Proverbs 19:29 ).

2. The chastisement which God brings upon his children for their trial and instruction . In a modified, but true and deep, sense health and riches are judgments—tests and trials of our faith and character.

II. AN ASSURANCE OF GOD 'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IN HIS JUDGMENTS . His judgments are a great deep, and his righteousness like the great mountains.

1. Just . Though we cannot comprehend them.

2. Beneficent . Though they inflict suffering. He does not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men.

III. AN ASSURANCE OF GOD 'S FAITHFULNESS IN HIS JUDGMENTS . Faithfulness here means:

1. That he always purposes our good .

2. That he always keeps his promises .

IV. THE GROUND OF THIS ASSURANCE .

1. Our past experience. Personal history .

2. Our knowledge of what he has done for us in Christ .—S.