Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—“The saint telling his griefs to his God.” (1) His right to do so. (2) The proper manner of telling them. (3) The fair results of such holy communications with the Lord.

When may we expect increased troubles? Why are they sent? What is our wisdom in reference to them?

Verse 2.—The lie against the saint and the libel upon his God.

Verse 3.—The threefold blessing which God affords to his suffering ones—Defence, Honour, Joy. Show how all these may be enjoyed by faith, even in our worst estate.

Verse 4.—(1) In dangers we should pray. (2) God will graciously hear. (3) We should record his answers of grace. (4) We may strengthen ourselves for the future by remembering the deliverances of the past.

Verse 5.—(1) Describe sweet sleeping. (2) Describe happy waking. (3) Show how both are to be enjoyed, “for the Lord sustained me.”

Verse 6.—Faith surrounded by enemies and yet triumphant.

Verse 7.—(1) Describe the Lord’s past dealing with his enemies; “thou hast.” (2) Show that the Lord should be our constant resort, “O Lord,” “O my God.” (3) Enlarge upon the fact that the Lord is to be stirred up: “Arise.” (4) Urge believers to use the Lord’s past victories as an argument with which to prevail with him.

Verse 7 (last clause).—Our enemies vanquished foes, toothless lions.

Verse 8 (first clause).—Salvation of God from first to last. (See the exposition).

Verse 8 (last clause).—They were blessed in Christ, through Christ, and shall be blessed with Christ. The blessing rests upon their persons, comforts, trials, labours, families, etc. It flows from grace, is enjoyed by faith, and is insured by oath, etc.—James Smith’s Portions, 1802-1862.