obviated in our text, in which all their fears are antici- pated, and their wants supplied. God promises them, 1. His presence —
[Were we left in the power of our enemies without any friend at hand to help us, we might well fear. But God says to the trembling soul, " Fear not ; for I am with thee." Now if but a fellow-creature were with us in a season of difficulty, we should take courage, especially if we knew that he was competent to afford us the protection we desired. How much more then may we be satisfied if Almighty God be with us ! In the contemplation of this, David says, " God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. God is in the midst of us : we shall not be moved. God shall help us, and that right early. The Lord of Hosts is with us : the God of Jacob is our refuge d."
But if it be said, God may be " with us" as an enemy, or as an indifferent spectator : therefore it is not a mere persuasion of his presence that will satisfy our minds ; he further assures his people of,]
2. His care —
[Believers are "his people; and He is their God:" and in this character will he be with them in all their trials. A stranger may see a person injured, and not feel himself suffi- ciently interested to interpose for his relief: but a husband, or a father, will not so act : he will feel the injury as done to himself; and will make the cause his own. So will God do for his people, who are authorized in all their troubles to say to him, " Arise, and plead thine own cause." " Whoso toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye :" and " his eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of those who trust in him :" and every perfection that he possesses will he put forth for their preservation and
protection
Yet, as his people are required to exert themselves, and are apt to be discouraged on account of their extreme weakness, he promises them,]
3. His succour —
[We are told that he will " put strength into his people e," and " strengthen them with might by his power in their inward man." What then need they to fear, when " the arms of their hands are made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob1"?" The weakest of them all may fearlessly adopt the
d Ps. xlvi. 1,2,5, 7, 11. ePs.xxix.ll. f Gen. xlix. 24.