Chapter 30
Chapter Outline
Praise to God for deliverance. (1–5)
Others encouraged by his example. (6–12)Verses 1–5
The great things the Lord has done for us, both by his providence and by his grace, bind us in
gratitude to do all we can to advance his kingdom among men, though the most we can do is but
little. God's saints in heaven sing to him; why should not those on earth do the same? Not one of
all God's perfections carries in it more terror to the wicked, or more comfort to the godly, than his
holiness. It is a good sign that we are in some measure partakers of his holiness, if we can heartily
rejoice at the remembrance of it. Our happiness is bound up in the Divine favour; if we have that,
we have enough, whatever else we want; but as long as God's anger continues, so long the saints'
weeping continues.
Verses 6–12
When things are well with us, we are very apt to think that they will always be so. When we
see our mistake, it becomes us to think with shame upon our carnal security as our folly. If God
hide his face, a good man is troubled, though no other calamity befal him. But if God, in wisdom
and justice, turn from us, it will be the greatest folly if we turn from him. No; let us learn to pray
in the dark. The sanctified spirit, which returns to God, shall praise him, shall be still praising him;
but the services of God's house cannot be performed by the dust; it cannot praise him; there is none
of that device or working in the grave, for it is the land of silence. We ask aright for life, when we
do so that we may live to praise him. In due time God delivered the psalmist out of his troubles.
Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when employed in praising God. He would persevere
to the end in praise, hoping that he should shortly be where this would be the everlasting work. But
let all beware of carnal security. Neither outward prosperity, nor inward peace, here, are sure and
lasting. The Lord, in his favour, has fixed the believer's safety firm as the deep-rooted mountains,
but he must expect to meet with temptations and afflictions. When we grow careless, we fall into
sin, the Lord hides his face, our comforts droop, and troubles assail us.
Chapter 31
Chapter Outline
Confidence in God. (1–8)
Prayer in trouble. (9–18)