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1. The godly are often brought to such extremity as they find no way out of it.

2. According to our strength, generally of knowledge, and particularly of feeling, so do we hope. Because hope is grounded upon faith, and faith upon knowledge (Hebrews 11:1).

3. The godly in their afflictions do recount what blessings they have lost.

(1) Because of the love and delight that they had therein, which is most remembered when it is lost.

(2) That their hearts may be made the more affected with grief for the loss thereof, and with desire to be restored thereunto again.

4. The godly do not always feel the comfort of God's favour in the like measure.

(1) Because God will make it the more delightful unto them by intermission.

(2) That they may see what they are, if God should leave them unto themselves.

(3) That they may be the more careful to use all good means to keep it while they have it.

5. The godly are often so grievously afflicted that they grow to a great measure of desperation.

(1)  Because of their great weakness when God, who is strong, trieth them.

(2)  They judge according to their present feeling.

(3)  Because of the consciousness of their deserts for sin.

(4)  The abundance of natural infidelity which, always being in us, doth then appear to have the greatest power.

(J. Udall.)

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KJV: I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day.

WEB: I am become a derision to all my people, and their song all the day.