June 14

"Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee." Psalms 63:3.

THE Christian sees through a different medium to that of the ungodly, and forms his estimate of things according to a Divine principle implanted within him; while they judge after the flesh and according to their sinful inclinations. In this passage we have the noble determination of David, who was thus divinely taught. Observe

THE FAVORITE ACKNOWLEDGES. "Thy loving-kindness." This is a delightful theme. Consider

Its divine source. It is composed of two words, the first referring to cause, and the second to effect. There may be kindness shown where there is no particular feeling of love. When we see an object of distress, we may be prompted to afford relief, from the common principles and feelings of our nature, while there is no love or affection exercised towards that object. But here is loving-kindness.

Its comprehensive nature. It includes all needful supplies, the arrangements and provisions of the covenant, that spiritual life which believers possess, the gift of God's Spirit, the tokens of his favor, and the communications of his grace.

Its suitable character. Loving-kindness is displayed in a way suited to our condition as sinners. God dispenses mercy to the miserable, and pardon to the guilty.

THE ESTIMATE HE FORMS. "Thy loving-kindness is better than life." Because

It supplies the deficiencies of life. One has observed, a man may have enough of the world to sink him, but he can never have enough to satisfy him. There is a dissatisfaction of mind necessarily connected with all creature enjoyments — but the loving-kindness of God puts us in possession of that which is infinitely better than life.

It alleviates the sorrows of life. It enables the Christian to recognise in all his afflictions a Father's gentle hand, sovereign love, and gracious design; and assures us, that, when the precious metal of grace has been tried, and the worthless dross of sin has been consumed, we shall come forth from the furnace of affliction, as gold that has been seven times purified.

It sweetens the comforts of life. We may have all things richly to enjoy, from the bountiful hand of God's providence, while we have no share in the blessings of his grace. His loving-kindness gives a relish to our common mercies.

THE RESOLUTION HE MAKES. "My lips shall praise thee." There must be a verbal acknowledgment of an internal feeling; the homage of the heart accompanied with the expression of the lip, and a practical exemplification of it in a holy and devoted life. Christians have to praise God, not only as rational creatures, but renewed beings. It is right that the heart he has changed should beat with his love, and that the tongue he has loosed should celebrate his praise.