Psalms 56:1-13

Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up.

The deprecable and the desirable

I. The deprecable in relation to man.

1. Craven-heartedness. A man whose heart is morally sound is bold as a lion, invincible as the light of day.

2. Presumptuous revenge.

II. The desirable in relation to God.

1. A desire to trust Almighty God (Psalms 56:3). All souls should centre in Him, cling to Him as planets to the sun. This is the real antidote to cowardly fear.

2. A desire to praise Almighty God (Psalms 56:4; Psalms 56:10; Psalms 56:12). Praise consisteth in attuning our whole lives to His Spirit and law. The hymn of praise acceptable to Him is not a composition of words, but a composition of soul virtues and noble deeds.

3. A desire to be remembered by Almighty God (Psalms 56:8). No words can affect a true heart as tears can; God’s infinite heart feels our tears as they fall.

4. A desire to walk before Almighty God (Psalms 56:13). To “walk before God “ implies a constant consciousness of His presence and an enjoyment of His friendship. “Walk” before Him with His light shining behind you and over you, lighting up all the path and scenery ahead. (Homilist.)