The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed, should
teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to repine and
despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his
distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has a bottle and a book
for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them
with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will
not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy
vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as
a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. And
vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either
from doing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages
of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that
God would keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all our desires and
expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, that we may do the better service to the
Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of
sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him for ever in light.
Chapter 57
Chapter Outline
David begins with prayer and complaint. (1–6)
He concludes with joy and praise. (7–11)Verses 1–6
All David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers need often repeat the publican's
prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in
our utmost dangers, that our calamities will at length be overpast, and in the mean time, by faith
and prayer, we must make him our refuge. Though God be most high, yet he condescends so low,
as to take care that all things are made to work for good to his people. This is a good reason why
we should pray earnestly. Look which way we will on this earth, refuge fails, no help appears; but
we may look for it from heaven. If we have fled from the wrath to come, unto Jesus Christ, he that
performed all things needful to purchase the salvation of his people, will do for us and in us all
things needful for our enjoyment of it. It made David droop to think there should be those that bore
him so much ill-will. But the mischief they designed against him, returned on themselves. And
when David was in the greatest distress and disgrace, he did not pray, Lord, exalt me, but, Lord,
exalt thine own name. Our best encouragement in prayer, is taken from the glory of God, and to
that, more than to our own comfort, we should have regard in all our petitions for mercy.
Verses 7–11