Resting in God’s Favor

22 MARCH

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 145

David now tells himself to rest because God has shown favor to him.

Is the experience of the grace of God enough to allay the fear and trepidation of our minds? That is what David seems to indicate here in saying that, since he has experienced the relief of divine aid, he can now return to rest. But if the faithful regain their peace of mind only after God manifests Himself as their deliverer, what room is there for the exercise of faith, and what power will the promises have to quiet our souls?

Surely, waiting calmly and silently for indications of God’s favor which is concealed from us is the undoubted evidence of faith. As strong faith quiets the conscience and composes the spirit, so, according to Paul, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” reigns supremely there (Phil. 4:7). Hence the godly remain unmoved, though the world around them seems to be falling unmoved, though the world around them seems to be falling into ruin.

What does it mean to return unto thy rest? However much the children of God may be driven hither and thither, yet they constantly derive support from the Word of God so that they cannot totally and finally fall away. In confiding in His promises,they throw themselves upon God's providence even while they are sorely distressed by disquieting fears and sadly buffeted by the storms of temptation. No sooner does God come to their assistance, than inward peace takes possession of their minds. Also, in the manifestation of God's grace, they are given grounds for joy and gladness.

This latter kind of quietness is what David asks for, declaring that, even though he has experienced much to cause agitation of mind, it is now time for him to delight himself calmly in God.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: The storms of life can so agitate our minds and spirits that our only option is to run in desperation to the Rock of our salvation. There we not only find relief from the temptations and attacks of life, but, by grace, we also are inwardly restored to rest, assured that God will care for us. Have you experienced this peace that passes understanding?

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke

Remembered with Favor

14 MARCH

Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy salvation. Psalm 106:4

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 30

The prophet here declares his chief desire that God would extend to him the love that He bears toward the church. He might thus participate in all the blessings which, from the very first, God bestowed upon His chosen and which He day by day continues to bestow on them. The prophet desires this not only for himself but also, in the name of the universal church, offers up a prayer for all, that by his example he might stimulate the faithful to present similar petitions.

Remember me, says he, with the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people; that is to say, grant to me the same unmerited kindness that Thou art pleased to confer upon Thy people, so that I may never be cut off from Thy church but will always be included among the number of Thy children. The phrase favour toward Thy people refers passively to the love that God graciously bears to His elect. The prophet uses it to indicate the marks of God's love From this gracious source flows the proof that God actually and experimentally gives grace to His people. 

The prophet considers being numbered among the people pf God as the summit of true happiness because by this means he feels that God is reconciled to him. Nothing is more desirable than this. Also, he experiences that God is bountiful. The term remember refers to the circumstance of time. As we shall see toward the end of the psalm, it was written when the people were in such a sad and calamitous state that the faithful might have entertained some secret apprehension that God had forgotten them.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: Are you, by grace, one of God's chosen people? If you are numbered among the elect, you will never be forgotten but will be remembered with favor. That should comfort you in the darkest hours.

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke