Spurgeon Morning and Evening March 7 PM

Biblical Context

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers, often called the prayer book of ancient Israel. Many psalms are attributed to King David, but Psalm 118 is part of what’s known as the “Egyptian Hallel” (Psalms 113-118), which Jewish people traditionally sing during Passover and other important feasts. These psalms recount God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and celebrate His faithfulness. Psalm 118 specifically expresses praise and thanks for God’s saving power and steadfast love. It’s a psalm of trust and triumph, likely sung during a procession to the Temple. It speaks to times when Israel faced enemies or challenges and chose to rely on God rather than human strength or alliances. The author, though not explicitly named, writes from a place of experienced deliverance, encouraging all to put their hope in God.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “trust” from Psalm 118:8. In Hebrew, the word used here is חָסָה (chasah). It means to seek refuge, to flee for protection, to put one’s hope in, or to confide in. It pictures finding shelter under the wings of God, like a bird taking cover from a storm. It isn’t just a mental agreement that God exists; it’s an active decision to run to Him, to depend on Him fully for safety and security. It implies a total surrender of self-reliance for reliance on God, a deep knowing that He will be a safe place for you, no matter what comes.

The Temptation to Look to the Seen

It’s easy, isn’t it, to be tried with the temptation to rely upon the things you can see? You know, instead of resting alone upon the invisible God. We Christians often look to man for help and counsel, and we really mar the noble simplicity of our reliance upon God. It’s like we complicate things when God has made it so clear: He’s the one we should be leaning on.

Anxious About Temporals?

Does this message meet your eye tonight, child of God, and you’re feeling anxious about everyday things? Let’s reason with you a while. You trust in Jesus, and only in Jesus, for your salvation, right? Then why are you troubled? You might say, “Because of my great care.” But isn’t it written, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord”? And remember, it also says, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication make known your wants unto God.” You don’t have to carry that heavy load. God’s telling you to give it to Him.

Trust for Temporals vs. Spirituals

Can’t you trust God for the everyday, temporal things? You might be thinking, “Ah! I wish I could.” But if you can’t trust God for those temporary, earthly matters, how dare you trust Him for spiritual things? Think about it: Can you trust Him for your soul’s redemption, for eternal life, and not rely upon Him for a few lesser mercies here on earth? It just doesn’t make sense, does it?

Is God Enough?

Is God not enough for your need? Or is His all-sufficiency too narrow for your wants? Do you want another eye beside that of Him who sees every secret thing? Is His heart faint? Is His arm weary? If so, seek another God. But if He truly is infinite, omnipotent, faithful, true, and all-wise, why do you gad abroad so much to seek another confidence? Why do you rake the earth to find another foundation, when His is strong enough to bear all the weight you could ever build thereon? He’s big enough, strong enough, wise enough, for everything you need.

Don’t Alloy Your Faith

Christian, don’t mix your wine with water. Don’t alloy your gold of faith with the dross of human confidence. It weakens everything. Wait you only upon God, and let your expectation be from Him. Don’t covet Jonah’s gourd – that temporary comfort that can wither away overnight. Instead, rest in Jonah’s God – the God who is constant, faithful, and provides even in the most difficult times. Let the sandy foundations of terrestrial trust be the choice of fools, but you, like someone who foresees the storm, build for yourself an abiding place upon the Rock of Ages. That’s the only place where you’ll find true security and peace, no matter what storms come your way.