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It is a common observation how all things are affected by the medium through which we view them. This is true in regard to the natural vision, but yet more true in regard to that which is mental and spiritual. Thus God, whom the prophet speaks of (ver. 13) as "the Hope of Israel," the "Fountain of living waters," and as the alone true Healer, he now prays not to be "a terror" unto him.

I. GOD IS SO TO THE UNGODLY. All his attributes are terrible to them. His holiness, for it condemns their sin. His justice, for it demands their punishment. His power, for it reveals the means whereby he can requite them. His love, for it makes their sin without excuse. His wisdom, for it renders them unable to deceive him. Hence it is that of the wicked it is said, "God is not in all his thoughts." They like not to retain God in their knowledge. To think steadily of them must be a terror to their souls. But -

II. HE SEEMS SO AT TIMES EVEN TO THE GODLY, God is to them what in their happier moments they delight to call him - their Father, their Redeemer, their Strength, their Refuge (cf. Jeremiah 16:19). But at times he seems to be "a terror" unto them. The causes of this are sometimes:

1. Morbid state of health.

2. Lack of submission to the Divine will.

3. Backsliding.

4. False theological teaching.

5. Dwelling too much on the darker and more mysterious aspects of the Divine providence.

6. Depression of spirits.

7. Prolonged affliction.

III. BUT TRUER AND BRIGHTER THOUGHTS OF GOD MAY BE REGAINED. Various means may be suggested.

1. Dwelling resolutely on the mercies and loving-kindnesses of God. This is why St. Paul bids the "careful," those weighed down with care, to make known their requests to God, not only "by prayer and supplication," but "with thanksgiving" also. And elsewhere he bids us "in everything give thanks." For this compels us to, go over in our minds the happier circumstances of our lot, and when we do this we shall find-

"Our cheerful cry will oftener be,
'See what the Lord hath done for me.'"

2. And, as the words of St. Paul teach, "prayer will help us. We

Kneel and cast our load,
E'en while we pray, upon our God,
Then rise with lightened cheer." The public worship of God in his sanctuary, in union with his people, - how often, like Hannah, the soul has come to God's house burdened but gone away "lightened!"

3. And "supplication." This tells of the more private, personal outpourings of the soul before God. Like the supplication in Gethsemane compared with the prayer - the Lord's Prayer - given for the common united use of his people. Here, too, vast relief is found, and the cloud clears away between us and God, and his face shines upon us once more.

4. Careful conscientious obedience and perseverance therein.

5. Seeking to comfort others. We learn in teaching, and this is true of the love of God as well as of other truths.

6. Coming again to the cross of Christ as having nothing, but looking for all in him. - C.

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Parallel Verses

KJV: Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.

WEB: Don't be a terror to me: you are my refuge in the day of evil.