The eye salve of praise.
In this psalm we have—
I. THE SPIRIT OF GLADSOME PRAISE. (Psalms 92:1-4.) The writer had evidently tried what praise could do, and the result of his testing it was this joyful outburst of praise concerning praise. He tells of its essence—giving thanks; of its expression—singing; its object—the Lord; its seasons—morning and night; its aids—music of all kinds; its inspiration—the gladness that came to him through the works of the Lord.
II. A DARK PROBLEM. (Psalms 92:7.) The seeming triumph of ungodliness. This is a problem which has baffled many, and the pain of it is heard in many a lamentation, expostulation, and prayer. For good men have trembled lest it should be believed that God was on the side of the ungodly.
III. THAT PROBLEM SEEN THROUGH by help of the spirit of praise.
1. It is seen through. The psalmist has no doubt of what is the meaning of all that prosperity of wickedness—"it is that they shall be destroyed forever," "perish," and be "scattered." The very climax of their exaltation had ushered in the moment of their fall. It is so that God forces ungodly men to consider their ways; less terrible appeals too often stand no chance of any heed being given to them.
2. But for the spirit of praise, this would not have been seen. The mist and fog of unbelief would have continued to blind the soul's vision, and have left men in the darkness of doubt and despair. But the heart that is glad in the Lord is quick-eyed to see the Lord's mind, and to discover his purpose as none others can; for praise is faith in vigorous activity, and before such faith the tangled problems of life smooth themselves out.
IV. THE RECOUNTING OF THE REASONS OF PRAISE. (Psalms 92:8-15.) The victory over doubt which has just been gained lends added vigour to the spirit of praise, and hence follows the recital of the many sources of praise which gladdened the psalmist's heart.
1. That God was over all—Most High forevermore. "The Lord reigneth"—that has been the solace and the joy of many a soul.
2. That the Lord's enemies, the men who do their bad best to turn earth into hell, shall utterly perish. Blessed be God that they shall, since they will not repent.
3. It shall be well with the righteous. (Psalms 92:12-14.) They shall flourish in beauty, permanence, glory and strength, like the palm tree; as the cedar they shall branch out on every side; the house of the Lord shall be their home, and, nurtured there, they shall not cease to enjoy and to impart rich blessing from God.—S.C.