The believer’s prospect has often to be viewed through the mist and confusion of surrounding factors of opposition. Such was the case of David here where, as so often, he is beset by enemies. Observe that the psalm is in four stanzas with a conclusion, forming a simple introversion:
- David in prospective mood, vv. 1, 2,
- His enemies described, vv. 3, 4 R.V.
- David in prospective mood, vv. 5-8.
- His enemies despised, vv. 9, 10.
- David in prospective mood, vv. 11, 12.
Note, he fixes his eyes on God before viewing his enemies and thus they lose their fearsomeness. They are seen to be a mere breath (vanity), yea, lighter than a breath, vv. 9, 10. Let us concentrate on his prospect.
- He can Afford to Wait, or, “be silent”, vv. 1, 5. This is the attitude of one who sees beyond the difficulties and fixes his eye on One who is his Rock (for his feet), Salvation (for his life), and High Tower (for his soul’s focus or defence); see R.V.
- His Steady Vision brings him increased certainty:
- “I shall not be greatly moved”, v. 2.
- “I shall not be moved (at all)”, v. 6.
- His Vision is Exclusive. Note the difficult concept “only” which occurs twice in verses 1, 2 R.V., and twice in verses 5-6. How often is our vision fixed upon God plus other expedients as if God might fail and we must provide against emergency. How long it takes us to learn the need of this “only”. Our safeguard is not God plus, but God alone.
- His Waiting is Seen to Progress in assurance, for in verse 1 his is but the confession of a fact, “from him cometh my salvation”, but in verse 5 his is the conviction of a truth, “my expectation is from him”. His conviction is personal and persuasive, v. 8.
- He Ends his Waiting with a note of established assurance, vv. 11, 12. God has spoken once, nay twice, that with Him is power to perform and mercy to attend. Again observe the exclusive note, “belongeth unto God”, and to no other.
God renders to opposer and opposed according to their work.
