‏ Psalms 56

* David seeks mercy from God, amidst the malice of his enemies.

(1-7) He rests his faith on God's promises, and declares his

obligation to praise him for mercies. (8-13)1-7 Be merciful unto me, O God. This petition includes all the

good for which we come to throne of grace. If we obtain mercy

there, we need no more to make us happy. It implies likewise our

best plea, not our merit, but God's mercy, his free, rich mercy.

We may flee to, and trust the mercy of God, when surrounded on

all sides by difficulties and dangers. His enemies were too hard

for him, if God did not help him. He resolves to make God's

promises the matter of his praises, and so we have reason to

make them. As we must not trust an arm of flesh when engaged for

us, so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when stretched

out against us. The sin of sinners will never be their security.

Who knows the power of God's anger; how high it can reach, how

forcibly it can strike? 8-13 The heavy and continued trials through which many of the

Lord's people have passed, should teach us to be silent and

patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to

repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check

ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear,

that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has

a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for

their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them

with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The

Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do

unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above.

Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by

which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains

me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my

duty. And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for

mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either from doing it, or by

his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death,

which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work

he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would

keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all

our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and

trouble, that we may do the better service to the Lord; that we

may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls

from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk

before him for ever in light