March 26

1 In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Fier as a bird to your mountain?

2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may pervily shoot at the upright in heart.

3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

5 The LORD teeth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateh

6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup

7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

When David "penned this Psalm he was under persecution from Saul, who sought his life, and hunted him 'as a partridge upon the mountains.' His timid friends were alarmed for his safety, and recommended him to flee to some mountain where he had a hiding-place, and thus to conceal himself from the rage of Saul. But David, being strong in faith, spurned the idea of resorting to any such pusillanimous expedients, and determined confidently to repose his trust in God."—Charles Simeon.

"When prayer engages God on our side, and when faith secures the fulfilment of the promise, what cause can there be for flight, however cruel and mighty our enemies."—C. H. Spurgeon.

If some great discouragement or temptation has overtaken you, reject it at once, before it settles upon the thoughts. Make immediate application to God and the promises; "Trust still in God, for I shall yet praise him," is the keynote here.

Closet Promise.—He that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.—Psalm xxxii. 10.

I know not what my life shall hold Of love, or light; Only, that safe within the fold, It shall be right

I only seek to find the ways His feet have pressed; And feel, through fair or darker days, "He knoweth best!"—M. M. B.