he psalmist's faith. (1-6) His desire toward God, and
expectation from him. (7-14)
Verses 1-6: The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of
his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In
God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God,
his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the
witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the
secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for
that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at
ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy
ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's
house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for
a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that
abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the
days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that
the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity?
Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This
he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is
as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as
the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks
after, and in it he rejoices.
Verses 7-14: Wherever the believer is, he can find a way to the throne
of grace by prayer. God calls us by his Spirit, by his word, by
his worship, and by special providences, merciful and
afflicting. When we are foolishly making court to lying
vanities, God is, in love to us, calling us to seek our own
mercies in him. The call is general, "Seek ye my face;" but we
must apply it to ourselves, "I will seek it." The word does us
no good, when we do not ourselves accept the exhortation: a
gracious heart readily answers to the call of a gracious God,
being made willing in the day of his power. The psalmist
requests the favour of the Lord; the continuance of his presence
with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of
Divine protection. God's time to help those that trust in him,
is, when all other helpers fail. He is a surer and better Friend
than earthly parents are, or can be. What was the belief which
supported the psalmist? That he should see the goodness of the
Lord. There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life,
the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures,
to keep us from fainting under all calamities. In the mean time
he should be strengthened to bear up under his burdens. Let us
look unto the suffering Saviour, and pray in faith, not to be
delivered into the hands of our enemies. Let us encourage each
other to wait on the Lord, with patient expectation, and fervent
prayer.
he psalmist's faith. (1-6) His desire toward God, and
expectation from him. (7-14)