Psa 44 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-8 Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for himself in the world, will support it by the same power and goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it.

‏ Psalms 44

* A petition for succour and relief.1-8 Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong

supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present

calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by

their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace.

The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords,

that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought

for Israel, else they had fought in vain. This is applicable to

the planting of the Christian church in the world, which was not

by any human policy or power. Christ, by his Spirit, went forth

conquering and to conquer; and he that planted a church for

himself in the world, will support it by the same power and

goodness. They trusted and triumphed in and through him. Let him

that glories, glory in the Lord. But if they have the comfort of

his name, let them give unto him the glory due unto it. 9-16 The believer must have times of temptation, affliction,

and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution.

At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he

has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be

dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their

trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no

power against them, but what is permitted from above. 17-26 In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful

compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth,

purity, and knowledge of our heart-searching God. Hearts sins

and secret sins are known to God, and must be reckoned for. He

knows the secret of the heart, therefore judges of the words and

actions. While our troubles do not drive us from our duty to

God, we should not suffer them to drive us from our comfort in

God. Let us take care that prosperity and ease do not render us

careless and lukewarm. The church of God cannot be prevailed on

by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn

back from God. The Spirit of prophecy had reference to those who

suffered unto death, for the testimony of Christ. Observe the

pleas used, ver. #25,26|. Not their own merit and righteousness,

but the poor sinner's pleas. None that belong to Christ shall be

cast off, but every one of them shall be saved, and that for

ever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised, and constantly

flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away every doubt

arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, Redeem us for thy

mercies' sake