I call to remembrance my song in the night - Compare Job 35:10, note; Psalms 42:8, note. The word here rendered “song” - נגינה negı̂ynâh - means properly the music of stringed instruments, Lamentations 5:14; Isaiah 38:20; then, a stringed instrument. It is the word which we have so often in the titles to the psalms (Psalms 4:1-8; Psalms 6:1-10; Psalms 54:1-7; Psalms 55; Psalms 67:1-7; Psalms 76:1-12); and it is used here in the sense of song or psalm. The idea is, that there had been times in his life when, even in darkness and sorrow, he could sing; when he could find things for which to praise God; when he could find something that would cheer him; when he could take some bright views of God adapted to calm down his feelings, and to give peace to his soul. He recalls those times and scenes to his remembrance, with a desire to have those cheerful impressions renewed; and he asks himself what it was which then comforted and sustained him. He endeavors to bring those things back again, for if he found comfort then, he thinks that he might find comfort from the same considerations now.
I commune with mine own heart - I think over the matter. See the notes at Psalms 4:4.
And my spirit made diligent search - In reference
(a) to the grounds of my former support and comfort; and
(b) in reference to the whole matter as it lies before me now.