Psalms 77

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM LXXVII.—What days of trouble saints have to endure, from temptations, corruptions, afflictions, and desertions! But in distress we must flee to the compassionate bosom of our God, and pour out our complaints before him. And, if we would speed, we must be both importunate and unwearied in our application. If we but speak in groans, God can understand us, and will answer. But often, under strong temptations, saints feed their sorrows and reject the consolations which God suggests to them in his word: often they indulge the melancholy apprehension that he hath forsaken them and left them to eternal perdition. Terrible then is their case: and dis-70 honourable to God is this their distrust. But hopeful is the appearance when they are brought to condemn their own unbelief, and to cast themselves on his almighty power and mercy; and when they continue meditating on, and declaring, his former mighty works of providence or grace. This awakens themselves and others to honourable thoughts of his conduct, and to grateful praise. However deep and mysterious the dispensations of his providence, they are all holy and just. And, however awful, they are infinitely gracious, and issue in the deliverance of his chosen from their manifold bondage, and in their guidance, by Jesus their great Leader and Priest, to the Canaan above. 7 A