‏ Psalms 34

* David praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He

exhorts to fear. (11-22)1-10 If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit

that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He

never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers

helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto

the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and

comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and

at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation,

and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom

no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any

concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard

him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels

minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of

darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste

and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste

and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort

of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the

things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for

the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall

have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and

abounded, because he was content, #Php 4:11-18|. Those who trust

to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them,

shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those

shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own

business. 11-22 Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear

of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal

happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the

soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely

this must look further than the present world; for man's life on

earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What

man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is

perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That

religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart

and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must

study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek

peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal

for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers,

when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant

comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin,

and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true

godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every

self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and

nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the

gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the

special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of

crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both

from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the

afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles

befal them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from

sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has

forsaken