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I wish I could have heard what you said to yourselves when I read these words. I could guess the language of some of you. You thought, "I never said anything to the Lord, except it was — Depart from me." Others of you, perhaps, said, "I believe that I did once say so to the Lord, but it was so lung ago that I had forgotten it. It must have been when I was in trouble. But I cannot say it now." Others said, "Yes, I have said that, and often, and I am glad to say it again." Good men are excellent company for themselves, for they can converse with their souls. David is doing so here. He is telling of his dedication to God, and reviewing what he then said. Now this is a good thing to do.

I. IT IS USEFUL IN THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION. It will not prevent, necessarily, the assaults of sin, nor our being overcome by them. The eleven disciples forsook Christ, though they had solemnly engaged not to do so. But it is a help against such temptations to be often reviewing our vows to God. It arms us against sin.

II. AS A BOND OF DILIGENCE AND CONSISTENCY IN DUTY. Many also would stand back from wilful sins and grosser vices, yet grow remiss in their duty and become less circumspect, Now against this it is well to preserve a remembrance of our covenant engagements.

III. TO AFFORD GREAT RELIEF IN DISTRESS. The believer may be subject to great spiritual distress. The light of God's countenance may be withheld, and grace be very feeble. Then such communion with our own souls and with the Lord, as is indicated here, does help us much. Tell Him how we desire to stand to our engagements, and to be His forever. So our hearts will brighten even in the midst of flowing tears.

IV. AS A SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE IMMEDIATE PROSPECT OF DEATH. Nothing, then, but what is real and substantial will serve. Death is rapidly approaching. "So let it," cries the devoted servant of God; "the sooner it comes the better. The God whom I have served is able to deliver me; and He will deliver me from thy sting, O death, and from all the power of the grave. Many years ago I said to the Lord, Thou art my Lord, and He honoured me with a place among His servants; and now I feel Thee, blessed Savour, to be the strength of my heart; and I depend upon Thee as my portion forever. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit; for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." Well, then, do you not think that happy is the people whose God is the Lord? But I want more than your approval. I want to know if you have said to the Lord, "Thou art my Lord." Let me ask —

1. Have you ever felt the misery of being without God?

2. Have you ever given time for serious thought on this question? How solemn is your condition who live all your days in a hurry of business or thoughtless dissipation! But you who have taken the Lord to be your God, I would say to you: Cleave to God with purpose of heart. This is the bond of the servants of the Lord. "I, such an one, whose name is hereunto subscribed, do hereby renounce all other masters which have had dominion over me, and bind myself to the Lord, to serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life: So help me God." And do much for Him. Also expect much from Him; you shall not be disappointed. And finally, you shall receive a crown of life. None ever served God for nought.

(S. Lavington.)

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KJV: O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

WEB: My soul, you have said to Yahweh, "You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing."