Psalm 5:11-12

“Let all who put their trust in You, rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

David, in speaking of the persecutions which he endured from Saul, represents them as accompanied with every species of malignity on the part of his oppressors, “There is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.” This character we should have been disposed to limit to the agents of Saul; but Paul teaches us to consider it as descriptive of human nature generally, and to apply it, without exception, to every man in Romans 3:13.

The fact is, that human nature is the same in all ages and places; and if it was so corrupt while under the immediate government of God himself, much more may it be expected to manifest similar corruption under circumstances less favorable for its control. Doubtless, to be reduced to a level with such abandoned men is very humiliating; but it is consoling to know, that if, on the one hand, we resemble them by nature—then we, on the other hand, are partakers of all David’s privileges, as soon as ever we are renewed by divine grace. Under his great and accumulated trials, he was often filled with a holy and unutterable joy in God; and such joy is our portion also, if, like him, we place our confidence in God. This is expressly asserted in our text, in which we behold,

I. The character of “the righteous”.

“Let all who put their trust in You, rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

In delineating this, the generality of people would refer to only those actions which had respect to men. But this would give a very partial and inadequate view of the subject. The truth is that a man’s character is to be estimated, not so much by his actions towards men, as by the habit of his mind towards God. I do not mean to say that actions are not necessary to evince the truth and excellence of the internal principle; for the principle that is unproductive of holy fruit is of no value—it is a hypocritical pretense, a mere delusion. But actions, though good in themselves, as prayers and alms-givings, may proceed from a wicked principles, and, instead of being acceptable to God, may be perfectly odious in his sight. Hence the righteous are described by characters that admit of no doubt:

1. They trust in God.

The righteous have a view of God providence, as ordering all things both in Heaven and earth. They know assuredly, that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without his special permission. They see that both men and devils are but as instruments in God’s hands; and that, however unconscious they may be of any over-ruling power, they do, in fact, fulfill the will of Almighty God. Hence, whatever is done, they receive it as from God; and whatever is devised against them, they feel themselves secure in his hands. They know that, without him, “no weapon that is formed against them can prosper;” and that, through his gracious care, “all things shall work together for their eternal good.”

David was exposed to the most imminent dangers through the malice of Saul; but “he encouraged himself in the Lord his God,” and committed all his concerns to him. Just so, the true saint, whoever he may be, flees to God as a sure refuge, and hides himself under the shadow of his wings; assured that, when so protected, no enemy can assault him, no evil find access to him.

In the grace of God also, they trust as well as in his providence. They are well assured, that there is no hope for them in themselves, either as it respects the obtaining of reconciliation with God, or the fulfilling of his holy will.

On the mercy of God, therefore, and on the merits of their Savior, they rely for pardon and acceptance; and to the Lord Jesus they look for such supplies of grace, as their necessities require. Renouncing all confidence in themselves, they go forward, saying, “In the Lord I have righteousness and strength.”

2. They love God.

They behold his glorious perfections, particularly as displayed in the Son of his love, “who is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person;” and with holy admiration they prostrate themselves before him, saying, “How great is his goodness! How great is his beauty!” They also contemplate with wonder and gratitude, the love which he has shown to them in choosing them from before the foundation of the world, to be the monuments of his grace, and in imparting to them such supplies of his Spirit as are made effectual for their salvation! It is well said, that “to those who believe, Christ is precious.” Yes, “his very name is as ointment poured forth; and to hear and speak of him is the most delightful employment of their souls.

Now, I say, these are the characteristic virtues of the righteous; and these are the graces which are of supreme excellence in the sight of God. It is evident, that by the exercise of these dispositions God is more honored than in all the external acts that can ever be performed; because he himself is the object on whom they terminate, and whose glory they promote!

In immediate connection with these dispositions is,

II. Their blessedness.

1. Who are so joyful as the godly?

“Let them rejoice,” says the Psalmist, yes, “let them ever shout for joy.” This is their privilege; this is their duty; the very command of God himself is, “Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, Rejoice!” “Rejoice evermore; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

It is true that there are seasons for humiliation, as well as for joy; but it is true also, that though, in the experience of the worldling, there is a direct opposition between the two feelings, so that they cannot exist together; they may in the saint be called forth into simultaneous exercise and harmonious operation. Indeed, there is no sublimer joy than that which arises out of penitential sorrow, and is tempered by contrition. The very posture of the glorified saints in Heaven bears testimony to this; for they fall on their faces before the throne, at the very time that they sing aloud “to Him who loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood!” But you will particularly notice what is said, “They rejoice in Him;” it is not in themselves, but in Him alone, “in whom all their fresh springs are found.”

2. Who has such ground for joy as the godly?

They are already under the care and protection of their God, “who defends them” from the assaults of all their enemies, and who has pledged himself to be their Protector even to the end; as David says, “You, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor will you compass him, as with a shield.” There is, in another Psalm, a remarkable expression, which beautifully illustrates this, “You will hide them in the secret of your presence.” The believer, when sensible of God’s presence with his soul, has an assurance of his protection, as much as if he saw with his bodily eyes the whole heavens filled with chariots of fire, and horses of fire, for his defense. He then realizes in his mind the idea that God is a wall of fire round about him; and that whoever shall think to scale it will not only fail, but perish in the attempt! Truly, to feel one’s self thus in the very bosom of our God is a joy which the stranger neither understands or possesses!” It is “a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory!”

APPLICATION.

Seek to be truly “righteous.” Do not forget wherein that character primarily consists. Seek to know God, to trust in him, and to love him:

to know him as revealed to us in his Gospel;

to trust in him as a Covenant-God and Savior;

and to love him with all your heart, and mind, and soul, and strength.

Let a sense of his presence with you be your chief joy, and every action of your life be performed for his glory! So will you be preserved from every enemy, and your blessedness be a foretaste of Heaven!

Charles Simeon