Psalm 42

Notes

Ver. 6. The general idea is—'Wherever, to whatever region I am led or driven in thy providence, I will remember and praise thee.' The psalmist was probably in exile when the psalm was penned. If David wrote it, as is probable, then the general scope would seem to indicate that he had sought a refuge from his enemies somewhere in the northern valley of the Jordan. We know he fled thither on the rebellion of Absalom, and this psalm may refer to that period. P.—Jordan. The word signifies 'the river of judgment.' There John baptized, Mat. 3.6; there was our Lord himself baptized, ver. 13; and there did the Spirit descend upon him visibly, ver. 16; and there did the Father from heaven acknowledge him for his beloved, that is, the true David his son, ver. 17. C.

Reflections.—Nothing but God himself can satisfy believing souls. If the sense of his love be withdrawn, every enjoyment is tasteless. No cisterns of earthly comforts can quench their thirst, their earnest desire for the Living Fountain. Constrained absence from the public means of fellowship with God is a heavy and tormenting burden to a faithful soul, and quickens his longings after them. No wonder then that he groans earnestly to be clothed upon with his house which is from heaven. O what terrible afflictions and sorrows are in the lot of God's favourite saints! When outward distress lies heavy, inward temptations are often violent. And the joys which we have tasted in God make the withdrawment of his presence and comforts the more grievous. But we often cause our own dejections under trouble, by poring on our corruptions or distress, and forgetting the promises, grace, and faithfulness of our Redeemer. We had need therefore to call our souls to account for their conduct. And if we cannot get relief by pleading with our burdened spirits, we should commit our case to our gracious God. And the more furious and manifold the storms of trouble are, the more earnest ought to be our believing applications to and dependence on God. Let providence cast us where it will, our God and our prayers should still attend us. Our faith may be enfeebled and sore shaken, but should never fail. Remembrance of what God is to us, and hath done for us, should suppress our unbelieving fears. If by faith we accept salvation, neither earth nor hell can hinder us from the benefit of it. In our darkest nights of trouble, desertion, and temptation, we have always much mercy to thank God for. Whatever repeated encouragement our feeble minds may need, if God be our God, our life, and the health of our countenance, neither earth, nor death, nor hell is able to hurt us.