Psalms:56

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* Verse 1-7 - Be merciful unto me , O God . This petition includes all the good for which we come to throne of grace . If we obtain mercy there , we need no more to make us happy . It implies likewise our best plea , not our merit , but God 's mercy , his free , rich mercy . We may flee to , and trust the mercy of God , when surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers . His enemies were too hard for him , if God did not help him . He resolves to make God 's promises the matter of his praises , and so we have reason to make them . As we must not trust an arm of flesh when engaged for us , so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when stretched out against us . The sin of sinners will never be their security . Who knows the power of God 's anger ; how high it can reach , how forcibly it can strike ? * Verse 8-13 - The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord 's people have passed , should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses . Yet we are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows . For this we should check ourselves . David comforts himself , in his distress and fear , that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs . God has a bottle and a book for his people 's tears , both the tears for their sins , and those for their afflictions . He observes them with tender concern . Every true believer may boldly say , The Lord is my helper , and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me ; for man has no power but what is given him from above . Thy vows are upon me , O Lord ; not as a burden , but as that by which I am known to be thy servant ; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful , and directs me in the way of my duty . And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy . If God deliver us from sin , either from doing it , or by his pardoning mercy , he has delivered our souls from death , which is the wages of sin . Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it . David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin . We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance , both from sin and trouble , that we may do the better service to the Lord ; that we may serve him without fear . If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin , he will bring us to heaven , to walk before him for ever in light . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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