Psalms 119:64

Verse Psalms 119:64. The earth is full of thy mercy] What an astonishing operation has the grace of God! In the midst of want, poverty, affliction, and bondage, it makes those who possess it happy! When Christ dwells in the heart by faith, we have nothing but goodness around us. Others may complain; but to us even the earth appears full of the mercy of the Lord.

ANALYSIS OF LETTER CHETH. - Eighth Division

In this part we have -

I. The assertion of the psalmist, that God was his portion; and his resolution upon it to keep God's law.

II. His prayer for grace to enable him to do it.

III. His profession of duty and a holy life.

IV. His concluding acclamation and prayer.

I. "Thou art my portion:" Let others choose as they please, thou art sufficient for me; I ask no more.

1. And on this I resolve to be thy obedient servant: "I have said, that I would keep thy words."

2. But thou knowest I am unable without thy grace to do this; therefore I must entreat thy favour: "Be merciful unto me." There are three helps to a godly life, all which we meet here, viz.: -

1. Determination. This makes a man begin well: "I have said."

2. Supplication. This makes a man continue well: "I entreated."

3. Consideration. This makes a man, when he errs, come back to the way again.

II. He was ready to co-operate with grace: "I have thought on my ways." If we be not workers with God, vain are our prayers. Two things are required of us: 1. Aversion from evil. 2. Conversion to good. Both must meet together.

1. Aversion from evil: "I thought on my ways." But he did not rest here.

2. Conversion to good: "I turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

III. And his sincerity is shown many ways: -

1. By his readiness and zeal: "I made haste, and delayed not."

2. By his courage and constancy. Though he was plundered, for his adherence to God, by the bands of the wicked, yet he did not forget God's law.

3. By his fervour about it. He was always employed in the work; and would rather take something from his natural rest, than not gratify his hunger and thirst after righteousness: "At midnight I will rise to give thanks."

4. By selecting his company. "He who walks with the lame will learn to limp:" therefore avoiding the society of the wicked, he seeks the company of them that fear the Lord and keep his precepts.

IV. He concludes with an acclamation and prayer.

1. "The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy." There is not a creature that is not a partaker of thy goodness; let me have my portion in it.

2. "Teach me thy statutes." That is, continue to instruct me. I need constant teaching, line upon line, and precept upon precept. Teach thou, and I will learn; and as I learn from thy teaching, I will practise by thy grace.