Psalms 44

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM XLIV.—Memorials of past mercies ought to be carefully recorded, and transmitted from age to age, as an encouragement in time of need as well as a ground of thankfulness. It is never outward force, but Jesus Christ’s word and Spirit, that build up the church, and triumph over the powers of darkness. If we want help in trouble, we must renounce all other confidences, and take God alone to be our kind deliverer and boast; so shall our troubles and griefs be quickly turned into everlasting praise.—It is common, but sinful, for them whom God casts down to think themselves utterly cast off, and to shrink under reproach and suffering, as if they were not our appointed cross. For it is not now, but hereafter, that God will make us to know and admire the mystery of his providence. It is especially distressing to the faithful, when they falsely apprehend that, God gets no glory by the afflictions of his people; nay, instead thereof, is dishonoured and reproached.—All God’s people, though not called to be proper martyrs, have their particular sufferings allotted to them for his sake. But it is dangerous to comply with sins in order to shun troubles. Highly provoking to God are treachery, apostasy, and idolatry; and fearfully he will search out and punish them. But great is the mercy that nothing can break his covenant of grace with his people; and that not sins of mere infirmity, but indulged provocations, are held as a violation of their covenant of duties. And, if he appear asleep amidst our troubles, it is to humble us under his mighty hand, to awaken our importunate prayers, and that he may the more magnify his mercy and power in our deliverance. 4