This Psalm is written with a view of encouraging good men who are in perplexity, and especially perplexity concerning God's designs, providence, and will.
I. The use of difficulties to all of us in our trial in this world is obvious. Our faith is variously assailed by doubts and difficulties, in order to prove its sincerity. To all those who are perplexed in any way soever, who wish for light, but cannot find it, one precept must be given Obey. It is obedience which brings a man into the right path; it is obedience which keeps him there and strengthens him in it.
II. Let us apply this exhortation in the case of those who have but lately taken up the subject of religion. Every science has its difficulties at first; why then should the science of living be without them? When the subject of religion is new to us, it is strange. Let then every beginner make up his mind to suffer disquiet and perplexity. The more he makes up his mind manfully to bear doubt, struggle against it, and meekly to do God's will all through it, the sooner this unsettled state of mind will cease, and order will rise out of confusion.
III. It sometimes happens, from ill-health or other cause, that persons fall into religious despondency. Such afflicted ones must be exhorted to keep a guard upon their feelings and to control their hearts. Supposing their state to be as wretched as is conceivable, can they deny that it is their duty nowto serve God? Whatever our difficulty be, this is plain: "Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee."
J. H. Newman, Parochial and Plain Sermons,vol. i., p. 228.
Reference: Psalms 37:35-37. E. Matthews, Welsh Pulpit of To-day, p. 102.