Though David is, in this psalm, much in prayer, yet he did not neglect
the duty of thanksgiving; for those that pray much will have much to
give thanks for. See, 1. How much God's hand was eyed in his
thanksgivings. He does not say, "I will give thanks because of thy
favours to me, which I have the comfort of," but, "Because of thy
righteous judgments, all the disposals of thy providence in wisdom and
equity, which thou hast the glory of." We must give thanks for the
asserting of God's honour and the accomplishing of his word in all he
does in the government of the world. 2. How much David's heart was set
upon his thanksgivings. He would rise at midnight to give thanks to
God. Great and good thoughts kept him awake, and refreshed him, instead
of sleep; and so zealous was he for the honour of God that when others
were in their beds he was upon his knees at his devotions. He did not
affect to be seen of men in it, but gave thanks in secret, where our
heavenly Father sees. He had praised God in the courts of the Lord's
house, and yet he will do it in his bed-chamber. Public worship will
not excuse us from secret worship. When David found his heart affected
with God's judgments, he immediately offered up those affections to
God, in actual adorations, not deferring, lest they should cool. Yet
observe his reverence; he did not lie still and give thanks, but rose
out of his bed, perhaps in the cold and in the dark, to do it the more
solemnly. And see what a good husband he was of time; when he could not
lie and sleep, he would rise and pray.