This past Sunday I preached on Psalm 73. And in God’s good providence, I read some of Richard Sibbes’s (1577–1635) remarks on this wonderful Psalm:
Carnal reasoning will tell you that God does not see or govern, but has left the earth. But as we go into the presence of God we learn that all things are beautiful in their time (Eccl. 3:11). All of God’s ways are merciful and true though we might feel forsaken at the present. The Holy Spirit teaches us to see that God is our best friend, and that he will never forsake us. He is always present in power and providence by his Spirit in supporting, comforting, and strengthening the hearts of his children. God alone can fill every corner of the soul of man. God is a fountain that will never run dry.
If it is good to be near God, then the nearer we are to him, makes it even better. Man must not neglect God for any reason, and it is good to lose all for God. Why? Because we have riches in him, liberty in him, and all in him. A man may be a king on earth, a yet a prisoner in himself. If we lose anything, even our own life for God, we shall save it. Taste and see how good God is (Ps. 34:8). How excellent is your lovingkindness, which you have laid up for them that fear you! (Ps. 36:7). “How precious to me are your thoughts, God!” (Ps. 139:17).
Labor to be near him. God is near to all that call upon him. There is not a minute of time in all our life but we must either near to God or we will be undone. We must grow in our understanding and fill our thoughts with him. The soul is never at rest till it rests in him. The soul grows in the Spirit and finds sweet communion. Our affections mount up in prayer as in a fiery chariot to hear him speak to us, seeking comfort in our distresses. Draw near to him in praise. This is the daily work of the angels and saints in heaven. Let us lift up our hearts with joy inexpressible (1 Pet. 1:8).
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