Matthew Henry · 623 of 1242
Psalms · Chapter 130
Verses 1–4
The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offer themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The gives to such poor souls a fresh sense of their deep necessity, to stir them up in earnest applications, by the prayer of faith, by crying to God. And as they love their souls, as they are concerned for the glory of the Lord, they are not to be wanting in this duty. Why is it that these matters are so long uncertain with them? Is it not from and despondency that they content themselves with common and customary applications to God? Then let us up and be doing; it must be done, and it is attended with safety. We are to humble ourselves before God, as guilty in his sight. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness; we cannot ourselves, or plead not guilty. It is our unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an Advocate for us, and through him we hope to obtain forgiveness. There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but that thou mayest be feared. The fear of God often is put for the whole worship of God. The only motive and encouragement for sinners is this, that there is forgiveness with the Lord.
Verses 5–8
It is for the Lord that my soul waits, for the gifts of his , and the working of his power. We must hope for that only which he has promised in his word. Like those who wish to see the dawn, being very desirous that light would come long before day; but still more earnestly does a good man long for the tokens of God's favour, and the visits of his . Let all that devote themselves to the Lord, cheerfully stay themselves on him. This is from all sin. Jesus Christ saves his people from their sins, both from the condemning and from the commanding power of sin. It is plenteous ; there is an all-sufficient fulness in the Redeemer, enough for all, enough for each; therefore enough for me, says the believer. from sin includes from all other evils, therefore it is a plenteous , through the blood of Jesus, who shall his people from all their sins. All that wait on God for mercy and , are sure to have peace.