29 OCTOBER (PREACHED 4 OCTOBER 1767)
The Lord my Helper
‘Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.’ Psalm 63:7
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 63:1–11
Man is a helpless creature in himself, insufficient to his own happiness. The state of infancy is an emblem of his future life. From first to last he is unable to stand without support, and has wants and desires which he is not fully able to express. This weakness is felt by all and in our natural state, in the midst of our proudest boasts, we are seeking help from everything around us. But how many disappointments do we meet while we live without God in the world, and what a wilderness do we find ourselves in when awakened to see the world in a true light. Then we are stirred up to look for help in God. And blessed be his name, his Word warrants us so to do. He does not, as he might, send us to our idols—but he invites, he receives and he helps the unworthy. This is the acknowledgement and determination of an experienced soul—I have received a conviction that I can do nothing for myself, and that creatures cannot help me. I sought the Lord and he heard me, therefore with him will I abide.
My help. Here consider:
(i) to whom God is a help: those who know that they in themselves are helpless, that see and approve his way, his covenant in Jesus, that plead his promises for help.
(ii) when he helps: always, particularly in conviction, temptation, affliction, duty.
(iii) what a help he is: free and gracious, a present help; Romans 10: a seasonable help, a sufficient help.
FOR MEDITATION:
When Hannah pressed with grief,
When she began to pray,
Poured forth her soul in prayer;
Her heart was pained and sad;
She quickly found relief,
But ere she went away,
And left her burden there:
Was comforted and glad:
Like her, in every trying case,
In trouble, what a resting place,
Let us approach the throne of grace.
Have they who know the throne of grace!
SERMON: PSALM 63:7 [1/2] [ALSO PREACHED 28 JAN. 1776 & 3 OCT. 1779]
Milo 