Wordly people inquire for good, not for the chief good; all they want is outward good, present
good, partial good, good meat, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate; but what are all these
worth? Any good will serve the turn of most men, but a gracious soul will not be put off so. Lord,
let us have thy favour, and let us know that we have it, we desire no more; let us be satisfied of thy
loving-kindness, and will be satisfied with it. Many inquire after happiness, but David had found
it. When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart. Thus comforted, he pitied, but
neither envied nor feared the most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God, and is
prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ alone; where will those appear who
despise him as their Mediator, and revile him in his disciples? May they stand in awe, and no longer
sin against the only remedy.
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
God will certainly hear prayer: David gives (1–6)
to God the glory, and takes to himself the
comfort.
He prayed for himself, that God would guide (7–12)
him, and for all the Lord's people, that God
would give them joy, and keep them safe.Verses 1–6
God is a prayer-hearing God. Such he has always been, and he is still as ready to hear prayer
as ever. The most encouraging principle of prayer, and the most powerful plea in prayer, is, to look
upon him as our King and our God. David also prays to a sin-hating God. sin is folly, and sinners
are the greatest of all fools; fools of their own making. Wicked people hate God; justly are they
hated of him, and this will be their endless misery and ruin. Let us learn the importance of truth
and sincerity, in all the affairs of life. Liars and murderers resemble the devil, and are his children,
therefore it may well be expected that God should abhor them. These were the characters of David's
enemies; and such as these are still the enemies of Christ and his people.
Verses 7–12
David prayed often alone, yet was very constant in attendance on public worship. The mercy
of God should ever be the foundation both of our hope and of our joy, in every thing wherein we
have to do with him. Let us learn to pray, not for ourselves only, but for others; grace be with all
that love Christ in sincerity. The Divine blessing comes down upon us through Jesus Christ, the
righteous or just One, as of old it did upon Israel through David, whom God protected, and placed
upon the throne. Thou, O Christ, art the righteous Saviour, thou art the King of Israel, thou art the
Fountain of blessing to all believers; thy favour is the defence and protection of thy church.