nor driven to do any thing sinful. Sinners pretend to find dainties in sin; but those that consider
how soon sin will turn into bitterness, will dread such dainties, and pray to God to take them out
of their sight, and by his grace to turn their hearts against them. Good men pray against the sweets
of sin.
Verses 5–10
We should be ready to welcome the rebuke of our heavenly Father, and also the reproof of our
brethren. It shall not break my head, if it may but help to break my heart: we must show that we
take it kindly. Those who slighted the word of God before, will be glad of it when in affliction, for
that opens the ear to instruction. When the world is bitter, the word is sweet. Let us lift our prayer
unto God. Let us entreat him to rescue us from the snares of Satan, and of all the workers of iniquity.
In language like this psalm, O Lord, would we entreat that our poor prayers should set forth our
only hope, our only dependence on thee. Grant us thy grace, that we may be prepared for this
employment, being clothed with thy righteousness, and having all the gifts of thy Spirit planted in
our hearts.
Chapter 142
David's comfort in prayer.
—There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort
from God by prayer. We are apt to show our troubles too much to ourselves, poring upon them,
which does us no service; whereas, by showing them to God, we might cast the cares upon him
who careth for us, and thereby ease ourselves. Nor should we allow any complaint to ourselves or
others, which we cannot make to God. When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress, and filled
with discouragement; when we see snares laid for us on every side, while we walk in his way, we
may reflect with comfort that the Lord knoweth our path. Those who in sincerity take the Lord for
their God, find him all-sufficient, as a Refuge, and as a Portion: every thing else is a refuge of lies,
and a portion of no value. In this situation David prayed earnestly to God. We may apply it
spiritually; the souls of believers are often straitened by doubts and fears. And it is then their duty
and interest to beg of God to set them at liberty, that they may run the way of his commandments.
Thus the Lord delivered David from his powerful persecutors, and dealt bountifully with him. Thus
he raised the crucified Redeemer to the throne of glory, and made him Head over all things for his
church. Thus the convinced sinner cries for help, and is brought to praise the Lord in the company
of his redeemed people; and thus all believers will at length be delivered from this evil world, from
sin and death, and praise their Saviour for ever.
Chapter 143