That I may walk before God in the light of the living— i.e. "Serve God, whilst I enjoy the common light of mankind; or during the whole of my future life."
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The arms of Divine mercy are ever open to the miserable; thither therefore David flees.
1. He complains of his enemies. They designed nothing less than his utter ruin. Their attacks were restless and incessant; too numerous, as well as mighty, for him to contend with. Note; (1.) A child of God must ever expect to meet the enmity of a world which lieth in wickedness. (2.) Every eye is upon the steps of the godly, with eagerness waiting for their halting, every ear ready to catch their words, and artful to misrepresent them to their prejudice: let them take the greater heed to their ways. (3.) The tempter and accuser of the brethren is ceaseless in his snares; and the more abundantly need we watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation. (4.) However divided wicked men are among themselves, they can ever cordially unite to oppose and oppress the faithful followers of Jesus.
2. In his trouble, David directs his prayer to God. Be merciful unto me; could he obtain that petition, the malice of his foes should not be able to prevail. Note; We have no demand on God for aught; our only plea is for mercy through the Redeemer, and that includes all that we can wish or need.
3. He encourages his heart in God. Fearful he sometimes was; but he has a never-failing resource, even the Most High. His word would comfort, his power protect him: on this rock therefore his confidence fixes, and thence defies the impotent enmity of man. Note; (1.) Faith is then most needful, when the storm of temptation is highest. (2.) Trials drive the faithful bearer to God, as the tree shaken by the wind takes firmer and deeper root.
4. He expresses his confidence of the approaching ruin of the wicked. Shall they escape by iniquity? no: though they promise themselves impunity, and think they are so great and above controul, yet God will not suffer them to go unpunished. Note; None are too great for God to humble; none so secure or daring, but he will make them feel his arm.
2nd, Though the world frowns, if God smiles, we may well be comforted. Thus was the Psalmist in the midst of his trials.
1. He had confidence of God's notice and kind compassions towards him in his distress: not a weary step he took, but the Lord watched over it; not a tear he dropped, but, as precious, it was preserved in God's bottle. Note; (1.) The tears of God's people here below have often cause to flow; shortly they shall be for ever wiped away from their eyes. (2.) Not a tear drops from the eye of his afflicted ones, but the Father of mercies regards and remembers it. (3.) They who have caused the griefs of God's suffering saints will shortly find every tear that they have drawn productive of a deluge of wrath upon their own heads.
2. He was assured that God would hear his cry, and help him. However mighty or numerous his foes, God was for him, and therefore the victory secure. Note; Whatever enemies without beset, or within war against us, the prayer of faith is all-prevailing, and every believer knows it by experience.
3. He repeats with exultation the profession that he had before made. No fear shall distress him; faith shall strengthen him, not only to pray, but praise. Note; They who have God for them, may well contemn the impotent threats of man, who is a worm.
4. He had vowed, and would pay the bounden sacrifices of praise. Past mercies demanded that grateful tribute, and future ones, which he expected, would still increase his obligation. In deaths oft, he had been hitherto preserved; and shall not the same power and grace protect him still? Note; (1.) Every christian has vows upon him; baptismal, sacramental; let them be often and solemnly remembered, to quicken us to our bounden duty of praise and holiness. (2.) Our souls by sin are now spiritually dead, and liable to eternal death; it is a deliverance, indeed, deserving of our everlasting acknowledgement, if by his Son God hath redeemed and by his Spirit hath quickened us; then we may well rejoice in hope of partaking his eternal glory among the saints in light. (3.) We walk in a slippery path, our tottering footsteps weak, and often thrust at that we should fall; if amid such danger we are preserved, not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be the praise.