‏ Psalms 40

* Confidence for deliverance. (1-5) Christ's work of redemption.

(6-10) Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible

pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God.

There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace

enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The

psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and

praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden

and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those

that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that have

been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have

been relieved, may apply ver. #2| very feelingly to themselves;

they are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on

which a poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given

stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk

and conduct. God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace

in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and

glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in

the mercy of God through Him. Many are the benefits with which

we are daily loaded, both by the providence and by the grace of

God. 6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by

our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ,

who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which

it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the

setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of

Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of

him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the

covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of

the Old Testament something was written of him, #Joh 19:28|. Now

the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent

forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely

and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ,

would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and

those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we

believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his

authority. 11-17 The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually

preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the

psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so

welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he

discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in

their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same

time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our

spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than

conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his

salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor

poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God,

and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The

prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all

their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment

hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come

again in glorious majesty