Lord’s Day, Vol. 11 No. 46
Better to Trust in the LORD – Psalm 118:8
INTRODUCTION
It is better to trust in God than to put our confidence in man. This is the experience of the psalmist. He gives to us 7 reasons why the LORD is more worthy of our allegiance than mortal man. The psalmist highlights 7 aspects of His character in his encounter with His God. Knowing these attributes of God’s character will strengthen our faith as we go through the trials and temptations of life. We are able to wisely tread the path of God’s blessing to trust in Him only than to fall into the snare of trusting in man’s fallible wisdom.
(1) THE LORD IS MERCIFUL (v1-4)
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
We are sinners in need of God’s mercy. And the character of His mercy is that it fails not. The LORD is merciful because He continues to regard us as His children even though we have time and time again sinned and strayed from Him. This is attested in Israel’s history from the time they left Egypt and abode in the wilderness till they entered the Promised Land and departed from following Him in the times of the Judges. Though they were rebellious, He did not abandon them. He was gracious to them. This is most worthy of our thanksgiving. Our response must be that of filial fear!
(2) THE LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY (v5-9)
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
In his distress, the psalmist sought the LORD in prayer. He answered his prayer and set him in a place of sturdy restfulness. His testimony is that the LORD gave strength in his heart to fear no man but God. He aids those who aid us. He moved people’s hearts to come to the psalmist’s help in the time of his distress (v7). Therefore, he is convinced in his heart to seek no other counsel first but the LORD’S.
(3) THE LORD IS ABLE HELPER (v10-13)
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. 11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
The psalmist’s predicament seemed to be that there was no way out humanly speaking. He described how his enemies surrounded him like bees with their dreadful stings that could hurt him badly. But he triumphed by prayer, in the name of his LORD. He testified it is the most feared scenario to be surrounded by enemies with no way out but the LORD can make a way of escape even in the most impossible of circumstances.
(4) THE LORD IS SAVIOUR (v14-17)
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
His enemies were hoping to destroy him, and that he would die but he lived! This is his song of praise to the LORD. Indeed, He is his salvation.
(5) THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS (v18-21)
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
To chasten is to correct, to discipline. He saw the righteous hand of God correcting and disciplining him in the process of his trials so that he might be righteous. This is the good hand of God’s sanctification where we are made more holy with each chastisement. Therefore, the Bible tells us that we are to endure chastening, for God treats us as sons and He chastens us. Thereafter, it yields the fruit of righteousness. We learn to walk in the right way, the way that is pleasing to Him.
(6) THE LORD IS OUR REJOICING (v22-26)
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
The psalmist testified how God does the impossible to place His chosen to serve Him by a divine decree. Our Lord Jesus is the living stone, tried, precious but rejected by the Jewish builders – scribes, Pharisees, priests, but set to be the corner stone of the church – Ephesians 2:19-20 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
(7) THE LORD IS GOD (v27-29)
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
The LORD only is God and none else. He truly is God is the experience of the psalmist. Therefore, He declared unreservedly, bringing to Him his sacrifice to the altar of God. The psalmist comes in worship bringing his entire being – body and soul, to present before the LORD.
CONCLUSION
May the LORD grant us great spiritual strength as we meditate and ponder upon these delightful attributes of God that we can confidently rely upon Him. His name is praised. Amen.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee