od to be praised. (1-11) His people encouraged by his power.
(12-22)
Verses 1-11: Holy joy is the heart and soul of praise, and that is here
pressed upon the righteous. Thankful praise is the breath and
language of holy joy. Religious songs are proper expressions of
thankful praise. Every endowment we possess, should be employed
with all our skill and earnestness in God's service. His
promises are all wise and good. His word is right, and therefore
we are only in the right when we agree with it. His works are
all done in truth. He is the righteous Lord, therefore loveth
righteousness. What a pity it is that this earth, which is so
full of the proofs and instances of God's goodness, should be so
empty of his praises; and that of the multitudes who live upon
his bounty, there are so few who live to his glory! What the
Lord does, he does to purpose; it stands fast. He overrules all
the counsels of men, and makes them serve his counsels; even
that is fulfilled, which to us is most surprising, the eternal
counsel of God, nor can any thing prevent its coming to pass.
Verses 12-22: All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which
no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do.
Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he
formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the
creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at
all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then
we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him
the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the
salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is
over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a
believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be
helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those
that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for
there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy
mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and
benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the
promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according
to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.
od to be praised. (1-11) His people encouraged by his power.
(12-22)