---

In some respects the same event happens to us all: to good men, to great men, to well-instructed men, as well as to the wicked, the obscure, and the ignorant. Each of these can speak of "my affliction" (Proverbs 14:10). It is a grand matter when "my affliction" is in each case balanced by "my comfort." It was so in David's case, and he is a fair representative of all believers.

I. BELIEVERS HAVE THEIR PECULIAR COMFORT. Each tried child of God can say, "This is my comfort."

1. "This," as different from others. Worldly men get their drops of comfort from such sources as they prefer; but the godly man looks to his experience of the Word, and says, "This is my comfort" (Psalm 4:6).

2. "This," as understanding what it is. He knew his consolation as well as he knew his tribulation. He was not like Hagar, who could not see the well which was so near her (Genesis 21:19). "This," as having it near at hand. He does not say that, as if he pointed it out in the distance; but this, as grasping it.

4. "This," as pleading in prayer that which he had enjoyed; urging upon the Lord the mercy already received.

II. THAT COMFORT COMES FROM A PECULIAR SOURCE. "Thy Word hath quickened me."

1. In part it is outward.

(1) The Word of God, full of promises, is our comfort (Romans 15:4).

(2) The Word of God, full of records of His goodness, is the confirmation of our confidence (Psalm 77:5-10).

(3) The Word of God, full of power, is our strength (Ecclesiastes 8:4).

2. In part it is inward: "Thy Word hath quickened me."(1) In past experience he had felt the power of the Word in raising him — Into life from death (Psalm 116:8). Into energy from lethargy (Song of Solomon 6:12). Into higher life from lower (Psalm 119:67).

(2) In all things it had been a source of quickening to him.

(3) In present experience he was then feeling its power in making his mind less worldly. His heart more prayerful. His spirit more tender. His faith more simple.

III. THAT COMFORT IS VALUABLE UNDER PECULIAR TRIALS.

1. Hope deferred. Quickening enables us to hope on.

2. Trial endured (ver. 50). Comfort is most needed in trouble, and there is no comfort like quickening.

3. Scorn suffered (ver. 51). We care nothing for mockers when we are lively in spiritual things.

4. Sin of others (ver. 53). More grace will enable us to bear up under abounding sin.

5. Changes (ver. 54). The Bible has a song for all seasons, and a psalm for all places.

6. Darkness (ver. 55). There is no night-light like the Word, enlightening and enlivening the heart.

IV. THAT THE FORM OF OUR COMFORT IS A TEST OF CHARACTER.

1. Some look to wealth: when their corn and their wine are increased, they say, "This is my comfort." They mind the main chance: they are worldly (Luke 12:19).

2. Some seek to dreams and visions, omens and fancies, impressions and presentiments: they are superstitious.

3. Some run to sin, drink, gaming, worldly company, dissipation, opium: they are wicked.

4. Some resort to their fellow-men for advice and assistance: they are unwise, and will be disappointed (Jeremiah 17:5).

(1)  What is your comfort?

(2)  Has this blessed volume quickened you?

(3)  If so, look to it under all trials, for it wilt never fail you.

( C. H. Spurgeon.)

---

---

KJV: This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

WEB: This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.