The Psalmist’s affliction was caused by those about him who had no use for God’s word. They mocked and scorned him, yet he comforted himself in the word of God. “51) The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 52) I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.” (verses 51,52)
The times the Psalmist were living in were frightening times because of the evil that abounded. Yet he clung to the word of God and found the words in it to be those which made up the songs of his heart. “53) Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54) Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” (verses 53, 54)
Night may have seemed long and dreary, but God was a very present help in this time of trouble. The Psalmist remarked, “55) I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56) This I had, because I kept thy precepts.” God’s word had helped the Psalmist learn about God’s name. He could meditate upon God and call on his name and be encouraged. The name of the LORD is a refuge for all those who trust in Him, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) The word of God and His blessed name are a hiding place, a place of refuge to which the believer can flee and be comforted and at rest.