if all seem to combine for our ruin, let us remember they are all appointed and overruled by the
Lord. David regards the Divine favour as the fountain of all the good he looked for. In the Saviour's
name let us hope and pray. One word from him will calm every storm, and turn midnight darkness
into the light of noon, the bitterest complaints into joyful praises. Our believing expectation of
mercy must quicken our prayers for it. At length, is faith came off conqueror, by encouraging him
to trust in the name of the Lord, and to stay himself upon his God. He adds, And my God; this
thought enabled him to triumph over all his griefs and fears. Let us never think that the God of our
life, and the Rock of our salvation, has forgotten us, if we have made his mercy, truth, and power,
our refuge. Thus the psalmist strove against his despondency: at last his faith and hope obtained
the victory. Let us learn to check all unbelieving doubts and fears. Apply the promise first to
ourselves, and then plead it to God.
Chapter 43
David endeavours to still his spirit, with hope and confidence in God.
—As to the quarrel God had with David for sin, he prays, Enter not into judgment with me, if
Thou doest so I shall be condemned; but as to the quarrel his enemies had with him, he prays, Lord,
judge me, and in thy providence appear on my behalf. If we cannot comfort ourselves in God, we
may stay ourselves upon him, and may have spiritual supports, when we want spiritual delights.
He never cast off any that trusted in him, whatever fears they may have had of their own state. We
need desire no more to make us happy, than the good that flow from God's favour, and is included
in his promise. Those whom God leads, he leads to his holy hill; those, therefore, who pretend to
be led by the Spirit, and yet turn their backs upon ordinance, deceive themselves. We are still to
pray for the Spirit of light and truth, who supplies the want of Christ's bodily presence, to guide us
in the way to heaven. Whatever we rejoice or triumph in, the Lord must be the joy of it. David
applies to God as his never-failing hope. Let us pray earnestly, that the Lord would send forth the
truth of his word, and the light of his Spirit, to guide us into the way of holiness, peace, and salvation.
The desire of the Christian, like that of the prophet in distress, is to be saved from sin as well as
sorrow; to be taught in the way of righteousness by the light of heavenly wisdom, shining in Jesus
Christ, and to be led by this light and truth to the New Jerusalem.
Chapter 44
A petition for succour and relief.Verses 1–8
Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful
pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own