Psalm 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise your name: the righteous shall compass me about; for you shall deal bountifully with me. : — I. THE PRISON INTO WHICH SO MANY SOULS ARE CAST. David said, "In the way wherein I walked, the hunters laid a snare for me." No one had better intentions than David; and I believe that nobody has better intentions than ourselves. But the best of wishes will do us little benefit unless we have brave resolves. To intend well is one thing; but if the intention stop short of action, it is worth nothing. When we intend well without practical resolution, it seems as if a trap were laid for us. We are oftenest caught in what seems our strongest point because we do not guard and watch ourselves where we are unconscious of weakness. Therefore, we all need to take heed lest we also be caught tripping. David further said, "The hunters are stonger than I." What makes our enemies strong? It is one's own weakness, the result of sin. David again cries, "Bring my soul out of prison!" It is a blessed thing when a man feels that his inclination to sin is like having his soul in prison. What man who is worthy of the name would not prefer liberty to bondage? II. THE WAY TO GET ONE'S SOUL OUT OF PRISON. We read in Bunyan's marvellous parable that when Christian had been beaten sore by a giant and thrust into Doubting Castle, he gave himself up to misery and despair. But one day he said, "Why, what a fool am I to stay here in all this wretchedness, when I have in my breast a key to unlock the gates of Doubting Castle." And taking out the key he found it fitted the lock, and he escaped. It was, says Bunyan, a key called Promise. This should teach us that when we seek in God's Word and find His promises, they are to us as a key to open the door of the prison into which our sins have thrust us. Would you have this priceless, this wonderful key always within your reach? Then hold on to God's promises, which apply to every individual case. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. |
    |