_Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust._ FAITH IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD This term suggests that the Psalm is one of strongly marked, incisive thought. It is a Psalm doubly notable-- 1. Because it contains one of the brightest and most unhesitating expressions of faith in the presence of... [ Continue Reading ]
_O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord._ DEDICATION TO GOD The Host High is a God of truth and faithfulness. The text alludes to David’s dedication of himself to God, and implies that he had done so deliberately and sincerely. 1. Apply the words for admonition. Remember that i... [ Continue Reading ]
_All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth, and upon such as excel in virtue (P._.V_._). DIVINE LOVE FOR THE SAINTS OF GOD On All Saints’ Day our mind seems almost to sink beneath the great and holy thoughts which come crowding in upon it, when we think of that vast multitude which no... [ Continue Reading ]
_Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another God._ THE SORROWS OF IDOLATERS There is no other fact more incontrovertibly established than the fact that idolatry of every sort is a system of sorrows. Forsaking the one living and true God to serve other gods has written the scroll of... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup._ MAN’S TRUE TREASURE IN GOD I. All true religion consists in deliberately choosing God as my supreme good. Now, how do we possess God? We possess things in one fashion and persons in another. The lowest and most imperfect form of possessio... [ Continue Reading ]
_The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places._ WE OUGHT TO BE CONTENT WITH PROVIDENCE You have so many accommodations on the road of life that nothing but ignorance and ingratitude can make you discontented. Consider the age of the world in which you live. What conveniences of life we have now... [ Continue Reading ]
_My reins also instruct me in the night seasons._ MAN TAKING COUNSEL OF HIS REINS The ancients regarded the reins, or kidneys, located in a retired part of the body, as the seat of the moral and spiritual sentiments, especially of the intuitional convictions, in distinction from those which have b... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons._ THE NIGHT COUNSELS OF THE LORD Under whatever circumstances the Lord gives His people counsel, they will find reason to bless His holy name. Well does this Psalm bear the title of Michtam--that is, a... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have set the Lord always before me._ FACING GOD Convictions are of two kinds. They are born of emergencies and experience. The former are instinctive, springing into life full grown. The latter mature slowly. A ship strikes a rock and begins to sink. The conviction of danger, and of possible de... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore my heart is glad._ CHRIST JOYFUL IN SUFFERING The remainder of this Psalm we are to consider as spoken by David in reference to the Messiah, of whom he was both a prophet and a type. I. This passage reminds us of the sufferings of Christ. Old Testament types, promises, and predictions... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell._ CHRIST’S DESCENT INTO HELL The afflictions and calamities which fall upon many men in this present state are such that, were it not for the hope which they have in God, their only comfort would be that expectation of death which Job expresses (Job 3:17). But t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou wilt show me the path of life._ THE PATH OF LIFE Not merely, that is, the life of the body. This is shown by the pleasure and joy spoken of afterwards, which are to be found in God’s presence, and in communion with Him. “Life,” in the only true sense, is union with God, and from that springs,... [ Continue Reading ]