The Golden Alphabet Part Six

Extract

The Golden Alphabet — Part Six — Psalm 119:145-176
C. H. Spurgeon

Exposition of verses 145 to 152, Roph 145. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.

146. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. 147. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149. Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150. They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151. Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.
152. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

This section is given up to memories of prayer. The Psalmist describes the time and the manner of his supplication, and pleads with God for deliverance from his troubles. He who has been with God in the closet will find God with him in the furnace. If we have cried we shall be answered. Delayed answers may drive us to importunity; but we need not fear the ultimate result, since God’s promises are not uncertain, but are “founded for ever.” The whole passage shows us: How he prayed (verse 145). What he prayed for (146). When he prayed (147). How long he prayed (148). What he pleaded (149). What happened (151. How he was rescued (150). What was his witness as to the whole matter (152). May the Lord bless our meditations on this instructive passage!
145. “I cried with my where heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.”

“I cried with my whole heart.” His prayer was a sincere, plaintive, painful, natural utterance, as of a creature in pain. We cannot tell whether at all times he used his voice when he thus cried; but we are informed of something which is of much greater …