Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 56:8-13

"Thou numberest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle; Are they not in thy book? Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me. In God (I will praise [his] word), In Jehovah (I will praise [his] word), In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me? Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank-offerings unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [Hast thou] not [delivered] my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?" — Psalms 56:8-13 (ASV)

The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to complain and lose heart under small sorrows. For this, we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs.

God has a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power except what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty.

And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God delivers us from sin, either from committing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work, he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin.

We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, so that we may better serve the Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him forever in light.