Psalm 13

Psalm xiii. continues the expression of the workings of a soul under the trials we have seen referred to in psalm x. We have, comparatively speaking, less to do with it. Yet the Christian may be tried by the momentary and apparent triumph of the power of evil. And in such, can look to the Lord for deliverance, not to be left as if God did not care for him.

We see the difference of the Jewish remnant here and Christ, for outwardly He vis left in the hand of the wicked; whereas, (though, indeed, some of the wise will fall by the hand of the enemy in that day, obtaining a better resurrection, but,) in general, they will be spared and delivered; but our object now is the moral lesson. In the midst, not only of heartless and conscienceless enemies, but apparently forgotten of God, the soul trusts in His mercy, counts on Himself in goodness and faithfulness of mercy so as to rejoice in deliverance by His power before it comes. So Ave thank God, when we pray, before we receive the answer, because knowing in our hearts, by faith, that God has heard and answered us, Ave bless Him before His answer comes outwardly, and this is just the proof of faith. This confidence giATes wonderful peace in the midst of trials; Ave ma)- not know how God will deliver, but Ave are sure He will, and rightly. He has all at Ills disposal. It is Himself AAre trust, and in looking to Him the heart rcceiATes a real answer on which it relies. The circumstances and the AArord try the heart. Confidence and divine deliverance rejoice the spirit. One knows, and before the comes, that Cod is for us. The taking counsel in the heart is vny natural, but not faith. It wears and distresses the spirit. The sorroAV tends to work death. The soul, even though submit tin —, preys on itself; it is turning to the Lord which lightens the soul. The consciousness that it is the enemy who works against us, helps the soul to confidence. It is a solemn, and for man would he an appalling, thought, but with the Lord is a ‘’round of being assured of deliverance.