Psalm 138:8
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me!”
The deeper doctrines of our holy religion, if made a matter of controversy and disputation, are very unprofitable. But, as experienced in the soul, they are a source of the richest consolation.
David, under the persecutions of Saul, stood in need of consolation; and he found it in the consideration of God’s power and faithfulness. He was at this time in great trouble. But, in the full confidence that God would take care of him, he said, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me; you shall stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.”
Let us, for our own improvement of these words, consider:
I. The confidence here expressed.
Let us notice it,
1. In reference to David.
In their primary sense, the words refer to David’s final establishment on the throne of Israel. But the whole Psalm shows that he had a further view to his spiritual and eternal interests.
In reference to his temporal advancement, his confidence was well-founded. God had promised to him the throne of Israel. The only question, therefore, for him to settle in his own mind, was whether God was able to effect his promised mercy. But here he could have no doubt. True it was, that Saul labored with all his might for his destruction; but it was not possible for man to thwart the purposes of the Almighty; and therefore, relying on the power and faithfulness of Jehovah, he dismissed all fear, and assured himself of a happy and successful outcome to his afflictions.
In reference to his eternal welfare, it was equally just. God had “made with him an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure, 2 Samuel 23:5.” This covenant comprehended everything for body and for soul, for time and for eternity. Could it be supposed that God should ever violate his own engagements, or be incapacitated through the power or subtlety of men or devils for the fulfillment of them? In spite of all the efforts of Saul, and all the devices of the wicked one, they had been accomplished hitherto; and there was no reason to fear that “one jot or tittle of his Word should ever fail.”
2. In reference to ourselves.
We have the same difficulties to contend with as David. We have not indeed a human enemy, pursuing us unto death; but we have a more formidable enemy, even “Satan, who, as a roaring lion, goes about, seeking,” by every means within his power, “to devour us! 1 Peter 5:8.” Thousands are in league with him on every side; and within our own bosoms there are innumerable enemies, who are ready to betray us. According to human appearances, our escape is impossible. But we may, notwithstanding all, possess the fullest confidence of a triumphant outcome.
Our grounds of confidence, also, are the same as his. The covenant of grace is made with us, and with the Lord Jesus Christ in our behalf. In that covenant, God undertakes for us, as well as for himself; he engages that “he will not depart from us to do us good; and that he will put his fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from him, Jeremiah 32:40.”
Now we may well say, “If God is for us—then who can be against us?” That he should change, is impossible; for “He is a God who does not changes! Malachi 3:6.” And, because we are apt to doubt his veracity, he has confirmed his promise with an oath, “that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us, Hebrews 6:18.” On these grounds, therefore, we may with the holy Apostle, “be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Christ! Philippians 1:6.”
But let us further mark,
II. The conduct to which confidence in God should lead us.
It should lead us to precisely the same spirit as David manifested; with a view to which, I would say:
1. Look for progress in the Divine life.
David looked to God to “perfect all that concerned him.” So should we, also, “go on unto perfection.” We should never count ourselves to have attained, as long as anything remains to be attained. Whatever progress we may have already made, we should “forget the things which are behind, and reach forth unto that which is before, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! Philippians 3:12-14.”
2. Let your dependence be on God alone.
It was to God alone that David looked for the “perfecting” of all his concerns. And to God alone must you look. No dependence whatever must be placed on your own wisdom or strength. It is “God who has wrought all your works in you” hitherto, Isaiah 26:12; and he who has been “the Author, must also be the Finisher! Hebrews 12:2.” “The same hand as laid the foundation of the good work, must bring forth the top-stone, that Grace, grace, may be ascribed to it,” forever and ever! Zechariah 4:9.
3. Blend your confidence in God with a reverential fear of God.
The confidence which David expressed did not supersede the necessity of holy fear. On the contrary, at the very moment that he so expressed it, he cried, “Do not forsake the work of your own hands! verse 8.” It was thus with the Apostle Paul. No man ever had stronger confidence in God than he; yet “he kept his body under control, and brought it into subjection, lest by any means, after having preached to others, he himself should become a cast-away, 1 Corinthians 9:27.”
Extremely important do I consider this suggestion. For, among those who express this confidence in God, many think themselves at liberty to relax their vigilance; taking for granted, that God will keep them, whether they labor to “keep themselves, Jude verse 21.” or not.
But this is an abuse, and a very fatal abuse, of the doctrines of grace. The assistance promised us by God, is intended to encourage, not to supersede, our own endeavors; as Paul has said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, to will and to do of his good pleasure, Philippians 2:12-13.” To every one among you, then, whatever his attainments are, I say, “Do not be high-minded, but fear! Romans 11:20;” for “blessed is the man that fears always, Proverbs 28:14.” While you say with David, “The Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me;” be sure to add, “My prayer shall be unto the God of my life! Psalm 42:8.”
4. Unite with reverential fear of God, a firm unshaken confidence in God.
As arduous as David’s circumstances were, he entertained no doubt respecting their final outcome. He looked to “God, as performing all things for him, Psalm 57:2,” and was satisfied.
Now, in like manner, I would have you “encourage yourselves in the Lord your God.” Treasure up in your minds “his exceeding great and precious promises,” and expect the accomplishment of them all to your souls. He has said, that “he will never leave you; never, never forsake you, Hebrews 13:5;” and you may rest assured that he will fulfill his Word; for “He is faithful who has promised, Hebrews 10:23.” “Cast, then, your care altogether upon him, 1 Peter 5:7;” and “commit the keeping of your souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 1 Peter 4:19.”
Charles Simeon