My soul is continually in my hand.
Religion
Religion is here presented in three aspects.
I. As a deeply felt need in the immediate prospect of death. “My soul is continually in my hand.” That is, my life is in constant danger: death confronts me.
II. As a spirit of persevering faithfulness through all trials.
1. It is a persevering spirit. “Yet I do not forget Thy law.”
2. It holds on through all trials. “The wicked have laid a snare for me, still I erred not.”
3. It holds on through all trials to the end, “Even unto the end.”
III. As a precious inheritance and a permanent joy.
1. Genuine religion is an inheritance. “A heritage for ever.” It is the only intrinsic, inalienable inheritance.
2. Genuine religion is a permanent joy. “For they are the rejoicing of my heart.” True goodness never fails to flood the soul with joy. It is indeed a well of water. (Homilist.)
Man’s bodily life
Let “soul” here stand for man’s bodily life, and then we have two thoughts suggested.
I. It is something outside of himself. The human frame, with its complicated parts and various organs is no more the man than the house is the resident, the costume the wearer, the harp the lyrist. We carry it in our “hand.”
II. It is sometimes that he must surrender. This implies--
1. A sense of temporariness.
2. A sense of obligation. We should always be ready to present our bodies, as well as our souls and spirits, a sacrifice unto God. (Homilist.)