3. For thou art my rock and my fortress. Here the
tried soul avows yet again its full confidence in God. Faith’s repetitions are
not vain. The avowal of our reliance upon God in times of adversity is a
principal method of glorifying him. Active service is good, but the passive
confidence of faith is not one jot less esteemed in the sight of God. The words
before us appear to embrace and fasten upon the Lord with a grip of faith which
is not to be relaxed. The two personal pronouns, like sure nails, lay hold upon
the faithfulness of the Lord. O for grace to have our heart fixed in firm
unstaggering belief in God! Note the singular fact that David asked the Lord to
be his rock (verse 2) because he was his rock;
and learn from it that we may pray to enjoy in experience what we grasp by
faith. Faith is the foundation of prayer. Therefore for thy name’s sake leadme, and guide me. The psalmist argues like a logician with his fors and
therefores. Since I do sincerely trust thee, he says, O my God, be my director.
To lead and to guide are two things very like each other, but patient thought
will detect different shades of meaning, especially as the last may mean provide
for me. The double word indicates an urgent need—we require double
direction, for we are fools, and the way is rough. Lead me as a soldier, guide
me as a traveler! The argument used is one which is fetched from the armory of
free grace: not for my own sake, but for thy name’s sake guide me.
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