PRAISE IN THE MIDST OF AFFLICTION

A remarkable feature of this psalm is that David did not allow his trials to silence his praises. He was certainly living through dark and dangerous days, “My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword”, v. 4. “They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves”, v. 6.

His reaction was to turn his gaze heavenward rather than earthward, that he might draw fresh inspiration and courage. Surely this was exemplary, “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me”, v. 2. And he asserts his confidence in God in the teeth of all dangers, “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth”, v. 3.

How impressive is David’s emphatic resolve to maintain a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, “My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise”, v. 7. He will allow nothing to deflect him from the high praises of God. He rouses himself, and stirs up his mind and heart, “Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations”, vv. 8, 9.

David strikes an unfamiliar note here (at least, for this writer!). Are not praise and thanksgiving simply our spontaneous response to the Lord, depending very much on our appreciation of His blessings at the time? David would reject that view. For he reveals in these rousing verses a determination to praise God come what may, a commitment to maintain a thankful and worshipping attitude by an exercise of the will.“I will cry unto God”, v. 2; “I will sing and give praise”, v. 7; “I myself will awake early”, v. 8; “I will praise thee, 0 Lord … I will sing unto thee”, v. 9.

If David’s resolve was so firm and enthusiastic in all adversity, what should ours be in the light of Calvary?

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually … the fruit of our lips”, Heb. 13. 15.