Psalms 102:17 - Homilies By S. Conway

The prayer of the destitute.

I. A TRUE DESCRIPTION OF MAN 'S SPIRITUAL CONDITION . He is destitute, not merely badly off; and he is without expectation, and without power of his own to better his condition.

II. A WISE COUNSEL THAT WE ALL SHOULD FOLLOW . That we should wait upon God in fervent prayer and earnest cry. There is nothing else that we can do. There is nothing better that we could do. There is nothing that has ever succeeded so well. There is no fear that, notwithstanding the Lord's greatness and majesty, he will disregard us.

III. A GLORIOUS ENCOURAGEMENT TO FOLLOW THIS COUNSEL . The text is a plain declaration of what the Lord will do, not merely of what we may desire he should do. Our Lord was surrounded by destitute people, who begged of him, and he never sent one away unblessed. And when he comes in his power he will do the same. Only let us remember that we must come as destitute.—S.C.