The bread of sorrow is sometimes the saint's daily bread. Our Master himself was a man of sorrows. His enemies' insolence, which added to his grief. Saul his great enemy, and others under him, were exalted over him, triumphed in his distress, pleased themselves with his grief, and promised themselves a complete victory over him. This he complained of as reflecting dishonour upon God, and his power and promise.
Long afflictions try our patience and often tire it.
Lord, tell me how long thou wilt hide thy face, and assure me that it shall not be for ever, but that thou wilt return at length in mercy to me, and then I shall the more easily bear my present troubles. Observe here, 1. Lord, enable me to look beyond my present troubles and to foresee a happy issue of them. Refresh my soul with the joy of thy salvation. Lord, scatter the cloud of melancholy which darkens my eyes, and let my countenance be made pleasant.