The Particularity of Divine Providence
W. Hutchings. Psalm 31:15 My times are in your hand: deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from them that persecute me. I. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TEXT. We shall be told, perhaps, that the doctrine of a particular Providence represents the Most High, as attentive to insignificant affairs, — gives to the Divine administration the aspect of overwhelming complexity, — and, is inconsistent with the majesty of the Supreme Being. 1. By no means do we deny, that the doctrine of a particular Providence does give to the Divine administration an aspect of overwhelming complexity. But then we are speaking, not of what the human mind can grasp, but of what the Supreme intelligence effects. Whoever admits the Being of a God, must connect with it the idea of infinity. No degree of attention, or variety of objects, can bewilder Him, whose understanding is infinite. 2. To oppose the consideration of Jehovah's infinite majesty to the doctrine of His providential administration is unscriptural, and absurd. The universe is a great and glorious whole; — but this great and glorious whole cannot be rightly preserved and governed, without the right preservation and government of all its parts. II. THE WAY IN WHICH THE BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE OF THIS DOCTRINE IS TO BE EXPERIENCED. The doctrine of His providence as revealed in Scripture, gives us a glorious idea of His character. It leads us to conceive of His presence as filling immensity, and of His goodness as commanding universal confidence. It leads us to worship Him, and to confide in Him as the Lord of the universe, in whom all majesty is for ever centred, and from whom all blessings flow. But this doctrine appears to the greatest advantage, viewed in the "light of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ"; — and it is the knowledge of His glory, as a covenant Jehovah in the Son of His love, that gives to the faith of this doctrine its most beneficial effect. And well may the believer joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that all the perfections of the adorable I Am are engaged to promote his welfare and to effect his salvation. It shall only be added, that to derive benefit from the doctrine we have stated, it is necessary for us to avail ourselves of it by faith, especially when such benefit is most needed. When did David say in the prayer, and confidence of faith, "My times are in thy hand?" — it was when fear was on every side, and in so doing, he took an extended view of the providence of God, and honoured Him. The times of man are numerous and diversified; — he has times of sorrow, of trial, of affliction. As "there is a time to be born, — so there is a time to die." David takes the range of the whole, — and instead of planning for God, or deeming himself at the mercy of his enemies, he said, "My times are in Thy hand." Thus he met the storm which tried his faith, and the recollection of his so doing was grateful to his feelings, and subservient to communion with his everlasting friend when fresh trials occurred. (W. Hutchings.) Parallel Verses KJV: My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. WEB: My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.