Psalm 13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall my enemy be exalted over me? To "commune with" our own hearts and to "take counsel," as is meant here, are not the same things. We may pore over our guilt and wretchedness, and overlook our highest mercies. Such, for a time, was the case with David, and there are many who still do the same. I. THE DISCONSOLATE SITUATION, WITH THE REMEDY TO WHICH HE REPAIRED UNDER IT. 1. He was sorely persecuted. 2. The Lord seemed to prosper his persecutors and not him. 3. His most intimate acquaintance seemed to have forsaken him. 4. And there were spiritual distresses beside. The Lord "hid His face." 5. And for a long time. "How long," etc. Now concerning all this load of trouble, he is said to have taken "counsel in his soul." He was in much perplexity and distress. It did not last long, however, for, he says, "I have trusted in Thy mercy." What cannot Divine mercy effect? II. THOSE WHO ARE LIKE DAVID AND NEED THE SAME HELP. Such are — 1. Those who sink into despondency under the adverse providences of God. 2. Those who at the outset of their religious concern are encompassed with darkness and long-continued dejection. Various are the causes of this. Circumstances without them. False ideas as to election. Something within them, as a propensity to take unfavourable views of themselves; or a species of self-righteousness. 3. Those who during the most part of their Christian profession live under habitual fear lest they should prove reprobate at last. Now if we would wish to discover whether there were any particles of steel in a heap of rubbish, the best way would not be to search for them, but to hold a large and powerful magnet over it. And this, if it be there, is the way to discover true religion in our souls. Hold the truths of the Gospel over them and this will draw it forth. (Andrew Fuller.) Parallel Verses KJV: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? |
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