52. When we see no present display of the divine power it is wise to fall back upon the records of former ages, since they are just as available as if the transactions were of yesterday, seeing the Lord is always the same. As the histories of the olden times are full of divine interpositions it is well to be thoroughly acquainted with them. Moreover, if we are advanced in years we have the providences of our early days to review, and these should by no means be forgotten or left out of our thoughts. The argument is good and solid: he who has shown himself strong on behalf of his believing people is the immutable God, and therefore we may expect deliverance at his hands. The grinning of the proud will not trouble us when we remember how the Lord dealt with their predecessors. While in our own hearts we humbly drink of the mercy of God in quietude, we are not without comfort in seasons of turmoil and derision, for then we resort to God’s justice, and remember how he scoffs at the scoffers (Psalm 2:4).
When he was greatly derided the psalmist did not sit down in despair, but rallied his spirits. He knew that comfort is needful for strength in service, and for the endurance of persecution, and therefore he comforted himself. In doing this he resorted not so much to the sweet as to the stern side of the Lord’s dealings, and dwelt upon his judgments. Even the terrible things of God are cheering to believers. They know that nothing is more to the advantage of all God’s creatures than to be ruled by a strong hand which will deal out justice. The righteous have no fear of the ruler’s sword, which is only a terror to evil-doers. When the godly are unjustly treated, they find comfort in the fact that there is a Judge of all the earth who will avenge his own elect, and redress the ills of these disordered times.
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