Psalm 119 (179 of 190 notes)

166. Here we have salvation by grace, and the fruits thereof. All David’s hope was fixed upon God; he looked to him alone for salvation; and then he endeavored most earnestly to fulfill the commands of the law. Those who place least reliance upon good works are very frequently those who have the most of them; that same divine teaching which delivers us from confidence in our own doings leads us to abound in every good work to the glory of God. In times of trouble there are two things to be done; the first is to hope in God, and the second is to do that which is right. The first without the second would be mere presumption: the second without the first mere formalism. It is well if in looking back we can claim to have acted in the way which is commanded of the Lord. If we have acted rightly toward God we are sure that he will act kindly with us.