Now in the presence of all His people, 19 In the courts of the Lord's house, In the midst of Thee, O Jerusalem. REFLECTIONS. 1. When our prayers are answered, we have an additional motive to love God, and also to renew our prayers to Him. 2. Here we see the Christian in trouble and sorrow; we see him in earnest devotion; we see his thankful and joyful acknowledgment; and we see him in his fixed resolution. We must expect trials and grief: but let us turn to God in serious prayer; and we shall assuredly experience the divine mercy. He will preserve us, help us, deliver us, and deal bountifully with us. How shall we then show our gratitude? By making God our rest, and walking before Him in all holy obedience. 3. When faith prevails, we shall speak of God's goodness; when we are unduly influenced by our perverse nature we look to men, and are fretful and dissatisfied because they afford us no relief. Faith in God is our support and peace in affliction. 4. See here true gratitude and its fruits. We must take the cup of salvation: we must give thanks for the benefits we have received. To our thanks, we must add our prayers. And this must be done publicly, for the edification of God's people. PRAYER. O blessed God, whatever our sorrows and troubles may be, help us to call upon Thee in fervent prayer. Deal with us according to Thy mercy and goodness: fill our hearts with the love of Thee: and whilst we thank Thee for Thy lovingkindness, may we rest in Thee, and walk before Thee, to Thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PSALM CXVII. General acknowledgment of God's goodness and mercy, as Psalm xxiii. (God to be praised for His mercy and truth.) 1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: Praise Him, all ye people. 2 For His merciful kindness is great towards us: And the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord. REFLECTIONS. Praise is the duty here enjoined: the Lord Jehovah is the Being whom we are to praise. All nations, all people, should unite in this delightful work. His merciful kindness towards us, both in temporal and spiritual matters, and the perpetuity of His truth and faithfulness, may well be at all times the subjects of our joyful songs. PRAYER. Fill our minds and hearts, O Lord, with lofty views and with lively convictions of Thy mercy and truth: and grant that we may begin on earth those songs of praise which shall be continued through eternal ages; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. PSALM CXVIII. Prophetical. The king of Israel leads His people in solemn procession to the temple, to offer praise and thanksgiving for deliverance and victory. The king in so doing was a type of Christ triumphing over His enemies by His resurrection and ascension. It admits, however, of an application to every sincere Christian; and taken in that view, also, it gives us much instruction and consolation. (I. God is to be praised for His mercy.) 1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: Because His mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let Israel now say, That His mercy endureth for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, That His mercy endureth for ever. 4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, That His mercy endureth for ever. (II. Excellence of trusting in God.) 5 I called upon the Lord in distress: The Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me ? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes. (III. Enemies: their destruction.) 10 All nations compassed me about: But in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. 11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: But in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them. 12 They compassed me about like bees; They are quenched as the fire of thorns; For in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them. 13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: But the Lord helped me. (IV. God is our strength.) 14 The Lord is my strength and song, And is become my salvation (V. Rejoicing for victory.) 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation (VI. Admission into the temple solicited.) 17 I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord hath chastened me sore: But He hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go in to them, and I will praise the Lord: (VII. The Gate opened: Praise offered.) 20 This gate of the Lord, Into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise Thee: for Thou hast heard me, And art become my salvation. (VIII. The hand of the Lord acknowledged.) 22 The Stone which the builders refused Is become the Head Stone of the corner. 23 This is the Lord's doing; It is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (IX. Prayer and congratulation.) 25 Save now, I beseech Thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech Thee, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord: We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. (X. Praise.) 27 God is the Lord, which hath showed us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, Even unto the horns of the altar. 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. 29 O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: For His mercy endureth for ever. REFLECTIONS. 1. It is the duty of the whole Church, of ministers and of people, to give thanks unto the Lord; always |