An invitation to joy

David concludes his applications with strong contrasts and earnest exhortations. Having first set out the reality of true happiness in his conclusion, and then pressed it home by way of personal illustration, he reminds us here of the sorrows of the wicked, the many, certain, and deserved plagues and pains of the unrepentant rebel. The different comes not from favour earned but from faith's reward, for the sinner must trust in the Lord to receive the undeserved kindnesses he holds out. Such a believer is surrounded by divine mercy, giving him cause to rejoice now and always. True sorrow over sin which leads to repentance brings the believer into the joy of salvation, but the sorrows of the wicked do not end.