Psalms 16:7-8

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 golden Psalm. Note--

I. The kind of counsel given to the believer. It was, that by no arguments, however specious or however backed by circumstances, should he be diverted from faithful allegiance to God. There were many such arguments. Saul tried to draw him off from God. David tells how “they have driven me out this day from the inheritance of the Lord,” saying, ‘Go serve other gods.’” But the Lord’s counsel, was, “Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.” Now, the Lord gives similar counsel to all His people. David was a representative man. The transcript of his feelings forms a commonplace book for all God’s servants in which they may find a counterpart of their own. As David was, so are they, anointed of the Lord. As Saul persecuted David, so Satan persecutes them, and seeks to make them “do despite to the Spirit of grace.”

II. The times and circumstances under which this counsel is frequently sought and obtained. It is night counsel, “My reins (thoughts) also instruct me in,” etc. The night seems to be no uncommon time for communications to pass between God and His people. David seems to have had frequent experience of this. “I remembered Thee upon my bed,” etc. When the sense of responsibility comes upon a young man and the weight of care is felt, often, though fatigued with the toil of the day, will he at night think seriously and long over his position and its needs. Sometimes he can say, as in Psalms 77:1, “Thou boldest mine eyes waking; I am so troubled that I cannot sleep,” etc. And often his meditations are very gloomy--“Will the Lord cast off forever, and will He be favourable no more?” And after more of this there comes the telling of the Lord’s sympathy, “I said this is mine infirmity, but I will remember,” etc. He says again and again, “I will, I will remember, I will meditate.” It was difficult, but he was determined. And here he says, “I will thank the Lord, who hath given me counsel.” And our blessed Lord had His night conflicts--“He was in all points made like unto His brethren.” And “He was heard in that He feared.” Let us copy His example--do what He did, and you, too, shall find counsel. (T. E. Hankinson, M. A.)