Verse 1

CONTENTS

The Psalmist is here under affliction, looking to the Lord for help and deliverance, and taking comfort in the hope that the Lord hears, and will answer.

To the chief musician, A Psalm of David.

Verses 1-5

It will be truly profitable in this, as in similar psalms, describing the soul under exercises, to view Christ, our pattern, our example, our surety. It is he who hath carried our griefs, as well as borne our sins, and never can a soul find equal relief under any affliction, be that affliction what it may, as when looking unto Jesus. Sweetly doth the Holy Ghost teach this, when commanding the church to consider Him, who endured such a contradiction of sinners against himself, lest the people should be weary and faint in mind, Hebrews 12:3.

Verses 6-11

This is a blessed appeal to the Lord! Where shall an exercised soul go in his affliction, but to a throne of grace? And how sure shall be the Lord's condemnation of the ungodly, when the cry of the sufferer ascends before the throne!

Verse 12-13

Faith and confidence are always suitable accompaniments of prayer. When we have lodged our petitions before the throne, we should, like the prophet, get upon our watch-tower to wait the Lord's answer, Habakkuk 2:1.

Verse 13

REFLECTIONS

LORD! I pray thee, never suffer me to think of afflictions or sorrow for them, either in myself or the saints of God, without keeping in remembrance thine unequalled sorrows, wherewith the Lord afflicted thee in the day of thy redemption-work. Was ever sorrow like to thine, thou blessed Jesus? And, Lord, while I think of thy sorrows, let me think also of thy patience. Thou wast led as a Lamb to the slaughter: and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so didst thou open not thy mouth. And, blessed Jesus! let my soul feel all that sweet complacency and resignation in every exercise, be the exercise what it may, in the recollection that thou art looking on, thou knowest all, thou appointest all, and thou wilt finally bless all. Though mine enemies live, and are mighty, yet if thou wilt be my helper, under the shadow of thy wings I shall rejoice. Yes, Lord! thou wilt carry me through, and bring me out, and bring me home, and I shall be more than conqueror, through thy grace helping me.