Psalms 39:12

For I am a stranger with thee, &c.— More like a stranger, and sojourner in this country, than an inhabitant or lord of it; with thee, who in a particular manner art the proprietor of this land, which thou hast chosen to be thy peculiar inheritance. The land, says Moses, is thine; we are but strangers and sojourners with thee. Leviticus 25:23.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, This psalm contains much matter for a mournful song, suited to soothe the sorrows which mortality is heir to, and reconcile our souls to the holy will of God.

David reflects upon the solemn purposes that he had formed, to watch over his words and ways; which was so needful when many eyes were upon him, waiting for his halting. He said within his heart, I will take heed to my ways, to walk circumspectly after the word and will of God. I will keep my mouth with a bridle from every murmuring expression under my trials, while the wicked is before me; who would take pleasure in seeing him provoked to speak unadvisedly with his lips. Note; (1.) We need much watchfulness and circumspection, in order to walk aright; a careless heart will make crooked ways. (2.) Nothing is more difficult to restrain than the tongue; and he is a perfect man who can always govern it.

2nd, The views of man's vanity bid him look for a more enduring portion in God. And therefore,
1. He professes that on him all his hope is stayed; and that, as he could expect nothing beneath the sun as his happiness, neither would he be disquieted with the light and momentary troubles to which he might be exposed. Note; (1.) The less we expect on earth, the more will our eyes be turned to heaven. (2.) All else is a vain hope; they who hope in God shall never be ashamed.

2. He prays for pardon and deliverance. His sins were his great concern; he longs above all things to be delivered from their condemning guilt and their prevailing power, that he may enjoy true peace of conscience. Note; (1.) Our ceaseless prayer must be for pardoning mercy, till obtained. The sting of affliction is removed, when sin is forgiven. (2.) One stroke of disease makes strange alterations; the bloom of beauty fades, the sparkling eye is dim, the ruddy lip is livid; and languor, paleness, and decay, mar all the lovely form. What poor things then to be proud of, what precarious vanities! (3.) The prayer of faith, and the tears of penitence, will never be disregarded of God. (4.) When we consider ourselves as really strangers upon earth, who neither have nor seek our rest below, every trial that we meet will quicken our pace, and whet our longings after our house and home, a mansion in the skies.

3. With holy resignation he surrenders up himself to God; having begun to pray, his ruffled spirits are composed, and his soul returns to its rest again. Since God's hand is in every affliction, and every chastisement most righteous, yea, less than our iniquity deserves, it ill becomes us to find fault, but rather continually to acknowledge that he doth all things well.