September 17

The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them. — Ps 25:14 BSB

“The secret of the Lord” (that is, what we presently possess) “is with those who fear him; and he will show them” (something yet to come) “his covenant.” This teaches us that while all of God’s people who fear his name have the secret with them now, meaning they have some measure of the secret, not all of them have had the covenant revealed to them at the same time. The “secret” is spoken of in the present tense, while the “showing of the covenant” is put in the future.

It’s comforting to see how the Holy Spirit distinguishes these blessings. If it had simply said, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear him, and he shows them his covenant,” some doubting, discouraged child of God might say, “How can I be one who fears God? It says he shows them his covenant, and he hasn’t shown it to me yet.” But since it’s put in the future tense—“he will show them his covenant”—it takes the form of a promise, which is perfectly suited to their needs. This covenant is the everlasting covenant of grace that stands forever, based on the person, love, blood, and work of the Son of God—a covenant made by the Triune God for the elect before the world began.

What a solid foundation this is for a troubled heart! When the Lord shows this covenant to those who fear him, he reveals that it is entirely of grace. It meets all their unworthiness and overcomes all the abundance of their sin. It is more than enough to cover their deepest iniquities and will bring them safely to glory because God has determined to do so. Only a covenant of grace can comfort a poor, tried soul who knows their helplessness and unworthiness, and the Lord reveals this covenant to those who fear him.