'My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give
praise.'--PSALM lvii. 7.
It is easy to say such things when life goes smoothly with us. But this
Psalmist, whether David or another, says this, and means it, when all
things are dark and frowning around him. The superscription attributes
the words to David himself, fleeing from Saul, and hiding in the cave.
Whether that be so or no, the circumstances under which the Psalmist
sings are obviously those of very great difficulty and oppression. But
he sings himself into confidence and good cheer. In the dark he believes
in the light. There are some flowers that give their perfumes after
sunset and are sweetest when the night dews are falling. The true
religious life is like these. A heart really based upon God, and at rest
in Him, never breathes forth such fragrant and strong perfume as in the
darkness of sorrow. The repetition of 'My heart is fixed' adds emphasis
to the expression of unalterable determination. The fixed heart is
resolved to 'sing and give praise' in spite of everything that might
make sobs and tears choke the song.