The promises are notes of God's hand; is it not good to have security? The
O Israel, O people saved by the Lord, who is the shield of your help, and the sword of your excellency" (Deut. 33:29).
(2). The wisdom of God works for good. God's wisdom is our oracle to instruct us. As He is the mighty God, so also the Counsellor (Isa. 9:6). We are often in the dark, and, in matters intricate and doubtful know not which way to take; here God comes in with light. "I will guide you with my eye" (Psa. 32:8). "Eye," there, is put for God's wisdom. Why is it the saints can see further than the most quick-sighted politicians? They foresee the evil, and hide themselves; they see Satan's tricks. God's wisdom is the pillar of fire to go before, and guide them.
(3). The goodness of God works for good to the godly. God's goodness is a means to make us good. "The goodness of God leads to repentance" (Rom. 2:4). The goodness of God is a spiritual sunbeam to melt the heart into tears. Oh, says the soul, has God been so good to me? Has He reprieved me so long from hell, and shall I grieve His Spirit any more? Shall I sin against goodness?
The goodness of God works for good, as it ushers in all blessings. The favours we receive, are the silver streams which flow from the fountain of God's goodness. This divine attribute of goodness brings in two sorts of blessings. Common blessings: all partake of these, the bad as well as the good; this sweet dew falls upon the thistle as well as the rose. Crowning blessings: these only the godly partake of. "Who crowns us with loving-kindness" (Psalm 103:4). Thus the blessed attributes of God work for good to the saints.
2. The promises of God work for good to the godly.
The promises are notes of God's hand; is it not good to have security? The promises are the milk of the gospel; and is not the milk for the good of the infant? They are called "precious promises" (2 Pet. 1:4). They are as cordials to a soul that is ready to faint. The promises are full of virtue.
Are we under the guilt of sin? There is a promise, "The Lord, merciful and gracious" (Exod. 34:6), where God as it were puts on His glorious embroidery, and holds out the golden sceptre, to encourage poor trembling sinners to come to Him. "The Lord, merciful." God is more willing to pardon than to punish. Mercy multiplies more in Him than sin does in us. Mercy is His nature. The bee naturally gives honey; it stings only when it is provoked. "But," says the guilty sinner, "I cannot deserve mercy." Yet He is gracious: He shows mercy, not
because we deserve mercy, but because He delights in mercy. But what is that to me? Perhaps my name is not in the pardon. "He keeps mercy for thousands": the store of mercy is not exhausted. God has treasures lying by, and why should not you come in for a child's part?
Are we under the defilement of sin? There is a promise working for good. " I will heal their backslidings" (Hos. 14:4). God will not only bestow mercy, but grace. And He has made a promise of sending His Spirit (Isa. 54:3), which for its sanctifying nature, is in Scripture compared sometimes to water, which cleanses the vessel; sometimes to the fan, which winnows corn, and purifies the air; sometimes to fire, which refines metals. Thus the Spirit of God shall cleanse and consecrate the soul, making it partake of the divine nature.
Are we in great trouble? There is a promise works for our good, "I will be with him in trouble" (Psalm 91:15). God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there. He will stand by them; He will hold their heads and hearts when they are fainting. And there is another promise, "He is their strength in the time of trouble" (Psalm 37:39). "Oh," says the soul, "I shall faint in the day of trial." But God will be the strength of our hearts; He will join His forces with us. Either He will make His hand lighter, or our faith stronger.
Do we fear outward lacks? There is a promise. "Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing" (Psalm 34:10). If it is good for us, we shall have it; if it is not good for us, then the withholding of it is good. "I will bless your bread and your water" (Exod. 23:25). This blessing falls as the honey dew upon the leaf; it sweetens that little we possess. Let me lack the venison, so I may have the blessing. But I fear I shall not get a livelihood? Read that Scripture, "I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalm 37:25). How must we understand this? David speaks it as his own observation; he never beheld such an eclipse, he never saw a godly man brought so low that he had not a bit of bread to put in his mouth. David never saw the righteous and their seed lacking. Though the Lord might try godly parents a while by lack, yet not their seed too; the seed of the godly shall be provided for. David never saw the righteous begging bread, and forsaken. Though he might be reduced to great straits, yet not forsaken; still he is an heir of heaven, and God loves him.
Quest. How do the promises work for good?
Ans. They are food for faith; and what strengthens faith works for good. The