Psalms 41:13

These words form a sweet conclusion, not only to this, but all other situations like the one here described. Several Psalms, with a little variation, close the same: Psalms 72:1; Psalms 89:1; Psalms 106:1. And it should seem to be a proper conclusion, both to prayer and praise; for it is becoming at the beginning and close of all our undertakings, in life and death, and to all eternity. Amen.

REFLECTIONS

READER, let us pause over this Psalm. It will be profitable so to do. Surely Jesus may be seen in it. He was blessed in visiting the sick and needy. He was blessed when, in the debased state of sickness and need, he subjected himself to sorrow for our salvation. He was most blessed indeed when oppressed with griefs and sorrows; and he was most blessed when, like the good Samaritan, he rescued us from the thievish, hellish cruelty of Satan, who had left us more than half dead when Jesus passed by. And though in the pursuit of those gracious designs he was betrayed both by false friends and open enemies, yet Jehovah pronounced him blessed, and upheld him and carried him through all, and hath now set him before his face forever. Hail! thou glorious, risen, and exalted Saviour! Men shall be blessed in thee and all nations shall call thee blessed.

Blessed and adored Redeemer! grant thy people grace to follow thy bright example. Lord, cause us to sympathize with all thine exercised and afflicted ones. Make it our delight and our joy to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Oh for grace to give the cup of cold water, when we have nothing better to offer, in the name of a disciple, and to love all that love, our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth.