Looking to the Lord for Mercy in a Contemptuous World (Psalm 123) | Charles Spurgeon

Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 123Charles Spurgeon's commentary on Psalm 123, frequently referred to as the Psalm of the eyes or the eye of hope, explores the believer's profound dependence on God during times of intense persecution and distress. The brief psalm begins with the writer deliberately lifting their eyes upward to the heavens, an act that instinctively signifies desire, hope, confidence, and expectation directed solely toward the Lord. By looking past earthly helpers to a higher divine power, believers acknowledge God's glorious majesty and his continuous ability to send necessary assistance to his suffering saints.The psalmist illustrates this faithful attentiveness by comparing believers to servants and maidens who keep their eyes fixed constantly on the hands of their masters and mistresses. In ancient Eastern cultures, masters frequently issued commands through subtle hand gestures rather than spoken words, requiring domestics to remain silently and continuously alert so they would not miss a sign. Similarly, the godly must actively watch God's movements in creation, providence, and grace to discover their duty, while also looking to his hand submissively for direction, defense, sustenance, and ultimately, mercy.This desperate, repeated plea for mercy arises because the believers are exceedingly filled with bitter contempt and scorn. The oppressors are described as proud individuals who are entirely at ease, living prosperous, comfortable lives that have dangerously deadened their consciences. Unburdened by severe toil or anxiety, these arrogant individuals easily become insolent, openly mocking and deriding those who carefully watch the hand of the Lord. Despite the intense sting of being a target for such unprovoked venom, the psalm encourages believers to endure this earthly disdain with quiet patience. By looking steadily to the heavens and waiting upon their covenant God, the faithful are assured that the world's scorn will eventually turn into their eternal honor.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730