Confidence in prayer. (1–7)
Prayer for remission of sins. (8–14)
For help in affliction. (15–22)Verses 1–7
In worshipping God, we must lift up our souls to him. It is certain that none who, by a believing
attendance, wait on God, and, by a believing hope, wait for him, shall be ashamed of it. The most
advanced believer both needs and desires to be taught of God. If we sincerely desire to know our
duty, with resolution to do it, we may be sure that God will direct us in it. The psalmist is earnest
for the pardon of his sins. When God pardons sin, he is said to remember it no more, which denotes
full remission. It is God's goodness, and not ours, his mercy, and not our merit, that must be our
plea for the pardon of sin, and all the good we need. This plea we must rely upon, feeling our own
unworthiness, and satisfied of the riches of God's mercy and grace. How boundless is that mercy
which covers for ever the sins and follies of a youth spent without God and without hope! Blessed
be the Lord, the blood of the great Sacrifice can wash away every stain.
Verses 8–14
We are all sinners; and Christ came into the world to save sinners, to teach sinners, to call
sinners to repentance. We value a promise by the character of him that makes it; we therefore
depend upon God's promises. All the paths of the Lord, that is, all his promises and all his
providences, are mercy and truth. In all God's dealings his people may see his mercy displayed,
and his word fulfilled, whatever afflictions they are now exercised with. All the paths of the Lord
are mercy and truth; and so it will appear when they come to their journey's end. Those that are
humble, that distrust themselves, and desire to be taught and to follow Divine guidance, these he
will guide in judgment, that is, by the rule of the written word, to find rest for their souls in the
Saviour. Even when the body is sick, and in pain, the soul may be at ease in God.
Verses 15–22
The psalmist concludes, as he began, with expressing dependence upon God, and desire toward
him. It is good thus to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. And if God turns to
us, no matter who turns from us. He pleads his own integrity. Though guilty before God, yet, as to
his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. God would, at
length, give Israel rest from all their enemies round about. In heaven, God's Israel will be perfectly
redeemed from all troubles. Blessed Saviour, thou hast graciously taught us that without thee we
can do nothing. Do thou teach us how to pray, how to appear before thee in the way which thou
shalt choose, and how to lift up our whole hearts and desires after thee, for thou art the Lord our
righteousness.