‏ Psalms 130

* The psalmist's hope in prayer. (1-4) His patience in hope.

(5-8)1-4 The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by

applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as

diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the

soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are

sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to

God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The Holy Ghost

gives to such poor souls a fresh sense of their deep necessity,

to stir them up in earnest applications, by the prayer of faith,

by crying to God. And as they love their souls, as they are

concerned for the glory of the Lord, they are not to be wanting

in this duty. Why is it that these matters are so long uncertain

with them? Is it not from sloth and despondency that they

content themselves with common and customary applications to

God? Then let us up and be doing; it must be done, and it is

attended with safety. We are to humble ourselves before God, as

guilty in his sight. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness; we

cannot justify ourselves, or plead not guilty. It is our

unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that

is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an

Advocate for us, and through him we hope to obtain forgiveness.

There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed

upon, but that thou mayest be feared. The fear of God often is

put for the whole worship of God. The only motive and

encouragement for sinners is this, that there is forgiveness

with the Lord. 5-8 It is for the Lord that my soul waits, for the gifts of his

grace, and the working of his power. We must hope for that only

which he has promised in his word. Like those who wish to see

the dawn, being very desirous that light would come long before

day; but still more earnestly does a good man long for the

tokens of God's favour, and the visits of his grace. Let all

that devote themselves to the Lord, cheerfully stay themselves

on him. This redemption is redemption from all sin. Jesus Christ

saves his people from their sins, both from the condemning and

from the commanding power of sin. It is plenteous redemption;

there is an all-sufficient fulness in the Redeemer, enough for

all, enough for each; therefore enough for me, says the

believer. Redemption from sin includes redemption from all other

evils, therefore it is a plenteous redemption, through the

atoning blood of Jesus, who shall redeem his people from all

their sins. All that wait on God for mercy and grace, are sure

to have peace