David praises God, and encourages to trust (1–10)
him.
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.