The Christian with God, Supported by Him
T. Hannam. Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with you: you have held me by my right hand. I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN BEING CONTINUALLY WITH GOD. 1. As a duty, it implies, that this is peculiar to real Christians; as they alone are prepared for it, and disposed to it, as being acquainted with Him, reconciled to Him, and in a state of the most intimate friendship with Him (Amos 3:3). (1) It is God's express command (Genesis 17:1). (2) Their covenant-consent strengthens the obligation (Jeremiah 1:5), and having opened their mouths they cannot go back. (3) The honour of God, which of all things is the dearest to them, obliges them to it. To forsake Him would be a reflection on God and His ways. (4) To this they feel the constraints of love (ver. 25). (5) The blessedness arising from it, and the misery resulting from a contrary conduct, is a further obligation to this. (6) The sincerity of their love and attachment to God is thereby to be evidenced. (7) And they feel themselves deeply concerned thus to act, as they would not lose their work and their crown, and expose themselves to greater wrath (2 John 8.; Hebrews 10:38). 2. As a privilege, it implies that they are with God, (1) As members of His Son (1 Corinthians 12:27). (2) As His children (Romans 8:14). (3) As His heirs (Romans 8:17). (4) As His portion (Deuteronomy 32:9). (5) As His living temple (Ephesians 2:21). II. THE HAPPINESS RESULTING THEREFROM. The Lord holds them by their right hand. This is necessary — 1. On account of the weakness of their graces (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2). 2. The remains of the carnal mind (1 Corinthians 3:3). 3. The prevalence of evil example (1 Corinthians 5:8). 4. The opposition of the world (John 15:19). 5. The unwearied diligence of Satan (1 Peter 5:8). 6. And in all these circumstances God will uphold them, according to His word and promise (Hebrews 13:6; Isaiah 54:17).Improvement: — 1. How happy is the state of those who walk with God! Let us cultivate a greater intimacy than ever. 2. How dreadful is the state of those who are at a distance from God! (Psalm 73:27). (T. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. WEB: Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.