avid praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He
exhorts to fear. (11-22)
Verses 1-10: If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit
that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He
never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers
helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto
the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and
comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and
at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation,
and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom
no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any
concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels
minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of
darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste
and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste
and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort
of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the
things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for
the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall
have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and
abounded, because he was content, (Php 4:11-18). Those who trust
to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them,
shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those
shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own
business.
Verses 11-22: Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear
of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal
happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the
soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely
this must look further than the present world; for man's life on
earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What
man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is
perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That
religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart
and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must
study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek
peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal
for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers,
when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant
comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin,
and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true
godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every
self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and
nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the
special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of
crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both
from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the
afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles
befal them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from
sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has
forsaken.
avid praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He
exhorts to fear. (11-22)