Psalm 35:3

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It will be my evening’s petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation, if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears?

Let me, then, take heart, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am not a Christian because I have doubts. The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he went at once to the mercy seat to pray for assurance, for he valued it as precious as fine gold.

I too must strive for an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and I must have no joy when His love is not poured out in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I also learn that David knew where to obtain full assurance.

He went to his God in prayer, crying, Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus’ love. If my prayers cease, my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress.

I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. Say unto my soul. Lord, do You say it! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it.

Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Lord, if You should say this to all the saints, it would be nothing unless You should say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I do not deserve Your smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, I am thy salvation. Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Yours, and that You are mine.