The Pulpit Commentary — Psalms — Volume 3 — Section 105

lines in which we a.re free to go e.s fe.r e.nd e.s fast e.s we please, then we are "at liberty." Liberty is only found in its perfection when, e.s in God, inclination is perfectly parallel with duty. God's statutes a.re not our bonds_; they are our songs (ver. 54). 6. Utterance (vers. 27, 43, 46). When the heart 1s enlarged the mouth is opened and free, fearless speech comes forth. At first, indeed, there may be the hesi tati~n of inexperience and self-distrust; but when this initial stage is past, there is fulness and fearlessness of utterance. We declare, with joyful lips, the grace and the truth which have enlightened and emancipated ourselves. BL1t we must not overlook the fact that while God's promises are great, there is- ' IV. THE CONDITION TO BE FULFILLED-PRAYER. The psalmist frequently reminds us of our duty and privilege in this respect. In confession or supplication he calls our attention to it in vers. 23, 25, 2(i, 37. We may not expect the spiritual enlargement which comes from God's visitation unless we are daily, earnestly, expectantly, asking God to come to us and dwell within us, in all his gracious, victorious power. Vers. 49-12.-0omfort in afftiction. Those who construct a philosophy of human life, or who criticize e.ny religious creed that claims their attention, are bound to recognize- !. 'l'BE SERIOUS FA.OT OF AFFLICTION. For it is a very large element in our life, and powerfully affects our character. There is not one that has not occasion again and again to say, "in my e.ffiiction" (ver. 50). Most of us have, at times, to go much beyond this, and speak of being "afflicted very much" (ver. 107), or are even con- strained to se.y, "Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me" (ver. 43). 1. Some- times, often indeed, it is due to the injustice, or the cruelty, or the inconsiderateness of men (vers. 51, 61, 69, 78). The very worst suffering is the consequence of the betrayal and the hostility of thoso we once trusted and loved (Ps. xii. 9). 2. Affliction may spring from our religious earnestness (vers. 53, 136). The unbelief, indifference, impiety, immorality, and violence we see or read of constitute a heavy burden upon our soul. 3. God's apparent delay is another source of trial (ver. 82). "How long, 0 Lord, how long? " has been the painful cry of all generations of the persecuted and troubled children of God. Beside these are the common, everyday afflictions of sick- ness, loss, straitness, disappointment, bereavement. Then comes- II. THE APPEAL TO Goo. (Vers. 58, 107,) While prosperity abounds we may forget God, but as soon as adversity comes we remember him. And those who walk with God in health and joy instantly e.nd naturally look to him when they enter the dark shadows. "Remember me, my God, for good I" 11 Deliver me I "-these are the instinctive cries of the burdened heart. We may, as the psalmist does here, plead our close, spiritual relationship to him as a ground of appeal (ver. 153). III. OuR REFUGE IN TIME OF TROUBLE. 1. We rest in God's promise-the II word on which be has caused us to hope" (ver. 49; see Pss. xli. 1; xlvi. 1; xc. 15 ; Isa. xliii. 2; John xiv. 18; Heb. xiii. 5, 6, 8). 2. We find, in God's goodness to us in the past, au assure.nee of his pity e.t the present time, and his blessing in the future (var. 65; Ps. :uiii.). 3. We find great comfort in the knowledge we have of God's character, assured that One so kind (ver. 68) and so faithful (ver. 75) must be lending us by the right and wise way, however strange the path may seem to us. 4. Whatever be taken from us, we always have left to us our God, our Saviour himself; and he is our portion (ver. 57); he himself is" our excce<ling great reward.'' No loss, no discomfiture, no betrayal, ce.n take a.way from us the inestimable treasure of the favour and the friendship of Jesus Christ. IV. 1TB ISSUE. (Vers. 67, 71.) There a.re some lessons which we cannot learn in the light, but can learn in the darkness. When all other mean8 fail to alfcct us, the strong rod of affliction arouses us, e.nd awe.kens us to the neglected truth. 'fhen we see that to which we he.d been str.ingely blind; then we turn from the evil track and the fatal precipice, and enter once more the we.y of wisdom, the path of life. Instead of a dangerous indulgence is a wise self-restraint; instead of an increasing worldliness is e. deepening joy in devotion; instead of questionable companionships is the society of the holy ; instead of slackness in service is the steady flame of zeal r instead of half- heartedness is whole-heartedness in our Christian life.  116 THE BOOK m' PSALMS. [PB, CXIX, 1-176.