Psalm 91

Psalm xci. On this beautiful psalm, of the structure of which I haATe spoken elsewhere, I have not much to say, because it defines the names of God which arc available, and the specific effects of faith going on even to what is directly applicable to Christ; so that the general principle is less justly deducible from or connected with it. It would be reducing what is purposely specific to what is vague. It takes JchoArah, as such, as God; and so he who owns that name, comes under the care of El-shaddai for a specific performance of earthly promises in the ways of God. This is not our place; one who acted on it would deceive himself. Yet a general faith, and trust of heart founded on it, would surely be blessed. It does not take up a Father’s ohastenings with which the government of Cod connects itself.

Here, in trusting Jehovah, no evil comes nigh the dwelling of him who docs so. This was what made it strange to David* till he went into the sanctuary of God. He saw the wicked prospering, himself plagued every moment. This is the certain result of owning Jehovah, when the government of God does come in.

Still we may learn some of the characters of trust. It is not merely the knowledge that there is an Almighty God, who is above all things: the secret place of His true revelation of Himself must be known. This, true faith has, and confers with God there according to it. His name is revealed to faith. To us, it is Christ as Lord and the Father. Faith thus, in its confession of His name, makes its refuge and strong tower, and moreover trusts in it: a great thing, for no power of evil, no cause of distress can be anything to upset the mind, if the Lord lie looked to and trusted in. It has here the promise of ever watchful and protecting care. This is true whatever outward evil may come. As we see in Luke xxi. 1G — 18, the Lord says some of them should be put to death, but not a hair of their head should perish — they were all counted. Providential power is all at (kid’s disposal. Faith is identified with the interests of God’s people (vcr. 9); but the Lord’s own name is what has governed the heart, and the true name of God is known to it; that is, as I have said. the true revelation of God Himself known by divine

1 Query — Asaph.

teaching. To us it is Christ Himself, and the Father in Him. Faith calls. It is not merely passive trust, right as this is in its place, but it communicates with God about its needs, because it trusts Him. God’s presence is there for faith and the exercise of its power; and this is as true now, in its just application, as then, as hereafter. The way is different, because the object is different, that is, to bring in a heavenly state. It brings present blessing though with persecution, and is assured of eternal and heavenly salvation.