Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes.
A sound heart
A heathen prayed for a “sound mind in a sound body.” A sound body is, of all earthly blessings, the most priceless. But a sound heart is a far greater blessing. A sound heart, like the AEolian harp, can catch music from the tempest, or, like the bee, gather honey from weeds and briers.
I. A sound heart throbs is unison with the moral laws of the universe. Those laws are the laws of benevolence and truth.
II. A sound heart is a united heart,. It has no fissures, no rents, no distractions, it is one whole.
III. A sound heart is a strong heart. It does not sink under trial, or quail under danger. “O happy heart,” says Quarles, “where piety affecteth, where humility subjecteth, where repentance correcteth, where obedience dissecteth, where perseverance perfecteth, where power protecteth, where devotion projecteth, where charity connecteth.” (Homilist.)
Right-heartedness
Some follow religion merely for safety from penalty, some merely for its excitement, and others for gain; but the psalmist desires to be “right” just because it is right, and does not make ashamed.
I. The prayer. “Let my heart be sound.”
1. It is a definite prayer. Holiness means wholeness--sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
2. It is a personal prayer. “Let my heart.”
II. The occasion for this prayer.
1. After the excitements of conversion.
2. In a time of temptation.
3. When engaged in self-examination.
4. In times of persecution.
5. In times of work and witnessing for the Saviour.
6. In affliction.
III. A strong reason for this prayer. “That I be not ashamed.”
1. That I be not ashamed of the profession I have made.
2. That I be not ashamed before men, in the ship, in the shop, at the polling booth; that I may live respected and die lamented.
3. That I may not be ashamed before God at His coming, but joyfully hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” etc. (D. Brotchie.)