Psa 102 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-11 The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but here, is often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has put words into our mouths. Here is a prayer put into the hands of the afflicted; let them present it to God. Even good men may be almost overwhelmed with afflictions. It is our duty and interest to pray; and it is comfort to an afflicted spirit to unburden itself, by a humble representation of its griefs. We must say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away. The psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are like a shadow.

‏ Psalms 102

* A sorrowful complaint of great afflictions. (1-11)

Encouragement by expecting the performances of God's promises to

his church. (12-22) The unchangeableness of God. (23-28)1-11 The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer;

but here, is often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has put words into

our mouths. Here is a prayer put into the hands of the

afflicted; let them present it to God. Even good men may be

almost overwhelmed with afflictions. It is our duty and interest

to pray; and it is comfort to an afflicted spirit to unburden

itself, by a humble representation of its griefs. We must say,

Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away.

The psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are

like a shadow. 12-22 We are dying creatures, but God is an everlasting God,

the protector of his church; we may be confident that it will

not be neglected. When we consider our own vileness, our

darkness and deadness, and the manifold defects in our prayers,

we have cause to fear that they will not be received in heaven;

but we are here assured of the contrary, for we have an Advocate

with the Father, and are under grace, not under the law.

Redemption is the subject of praise in the Christian church; and

that great work is described by the temporal deliverance and

restoration of Israel. Look down upon us, Lord Jesus; and bring

us into the glorious liberty of thy children, that we may bless

and praise thy name. 23-28 Bodily distempers soon weaken our strength, then what can

we expect but that our months should be cut off in the midst;

and what should we do but provide accordingly? We must own God's

hand in it; and must reconcile this to his love, for often those

that have used their strength well, have it weakened; and those

who, as we think, can very ill be spared, have their days

shortened. It is very comfortable, in reference to all the

changes and dangers of the church, to remember that Jesus Christ

is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And in reference to

the death of our bodies, and the removal of friends, to remember

that God is an everlasting God. Do not let us overlook the

assurance this psalm contains of a happy end to all the

believer's trials. Though all things are changing, dying,

perishing, like a vesture folding up and hastening to decay, yet

Jesus lives, and thus all is secure, for he hath said, Because I

live ye shall live also