INTRODUCTIONThose who are anxious to progress in the divine life, will not neglect the more private exercises of piety, without which those of the sanctuary will be in a great measure ineffectual. Prayer is the believer's vital breath; the Scriptures are his spiritual food; and it is only as the study of their sacred truths is combined with fervent supplication for every promised grace — that his course will correspond with the beautiful representation, in which the path of the just is compared to the shining light — which shines more and more unto the perfect day.
To aid the Christian in his secret devotions, is the object of this small volume. The writer humbly trusts that it will especially be of some service to him while engaged in the pleasing and important duty of meditating upon the divine testimonies. It is his sincere prayer that the perusal of these daily portions may be accompanied with a blessing from on high, so that, like the whole of the inspired volume from which they are taken, they might prove "profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness — so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
1. The Important Command
Exodus 14:15
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:”
To enter upon the way of life is one thing; to advance therein is quite another thing. It is to be feared that many are satisfied if they have some grounds for hoping that the good work has been commenced within them; but such need to be reminded that one of the most conclusive evidences of a change of heart, is an ardent desire after an increased measure of spiritual prosperity. No true Christian can be satisfied with his present attainments; his great concern will be to press onward toward the mark for the prize of his high calling in Christ Jesus. If we would realize the true blessedness of a pious life — it is indispensable that we "go forward."
The inhabitants of a certain country, we will suppose, are in a very woeful plight, suffering the greatest distress, and also exposed to the most imminent danger. They are told of another land in which, as soon as they stand upon its shores, they will be safe; and that if they only travel onward — they will meet with the richest treasures, and an abundant supply of all that can minister to their happiness. They set out on their voyage there, and at length they reach it in safety. But, after having just entered upon its borders, and feeling that they are now delivered from the dangers to which they had previously been exposed — they settle down, satisfied with their present lot, and feeling thankful for it. By remaining, however, where they are, instead of pushing their way into the heart of the country, they continue to be strangers in a great measure to its teeming fertility.
So it is with many, in reference to their spiritual interests. They have been brought to see the danger of the state of nature, and they have felt deeply concerned about being delivered from it. Another state, that of grace and salvation, has been set before them in the gospel, which they hope they have reached. But how many, having just reached it, remain towards its outskirts, almost entirely ignorant of what is to be found farther on. They trust that they have passed the gulf of separation which divides the city of destruction from the haven of security and peace; but that is all. Of the fatness of the land on which they have entered, little or nothing do they know.
How important then is the command, "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Such, reader, is the word of exhortation we would now address to you. Go forward, and the prospect will brighten, the air will become more balmy, and the sky more clear and cloudless every step you take. Go forward, and the soil will become increasingly fertile; instead of roaming amid sandy waste-lands and rocky crags — you will find green pastures in which you shall lie down, and still waters beside which you shall be led like the Psalmist of old. Go forward, and you will possess a land of unknown wealth, and you shall enjoy therein a goodly heritage indeed!
Whatever progress we have made in the divine life, our duty is still to press onward. To the most advanced believer it can be said, "There remains very much land to be possessed!" Let our motto, then, be, "Farther, farther yet!" and may we only regard our past successes — as incentives to renewed exertion!
2. The Promised Presence
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
The Divine presence is the believer's strength in weakness — his support in suffering — his consolation in the hour of death. The blessed assurance, "I am with you," is sufficient to enliven every scene — and sweeten every condition. Its realization opens springs of joy in the cheerless wasteland of this desert world; it dissipates the thickest darkness, soothes the anguish of the keenest affliction, and lightens the heaviest load of poverty and distress!
One of the last promises which the Savior gave to His disciples was, "Surely, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age!" He had just given them the great commission to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature — an enterprise difficult and dangerous in the extreme. The whole world frowned upon them; they had to encounter the combined prejudices of the Jew and Greek, of the savage and civilized. But it soon became evident that greater was He who was with them — than all those who were against them. Through Him who had spoiled principalities and triumphed over them, they waxed valiant in fight, and went forth conquering and to conquer. O what a spirit did they manifest, and what wonders did they perform! All opposition, they trampled under their feet. All secular power and policy, they defeated. All the wit, and learning, and eloquence which stood in their way — was baffled by them. In persecutions, and reproaches, and necessities — they took pleasure. To forsake and forfeit all they had — they regarded as gain. To be in constant labor and travail — was their ease. To incur disgrace — was their highest glory. Prisons were converted by them into palaces in which they sang, even in the dead of night, the high praises of their God and Savior.
And whence this victory in suffering? Whence this moral elevation above all the ills of life? Whence this triumphing in tribulation, and rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God? It was derived from the presence of their adorable Lord and Master! Having Him by their side — they were strangers to fear, and they went forth, unarmed, unpatronized — to upset the kingdom of darkness, and subdue the world to the obedience of Christ!
And to all His people now, especially when they have any arduous duties to discharge — the same promise is given. When entering upon any responsible undertaking, the believer, deeply conscious of his own incompetency, is often filled with trembling. But listen, Christian, to what the voice from the excellent glory proclaims — "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My victorious right hand." Should you not then "thank God, and take courage!"
3. Divine Recognition
Psalms 16:8
“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
It is a very solemn and emphatic statement which is made by the apostle Paul, when he says in one of his epistles — "Having no hope, and without God in the world." This is the state not merely of those in pagan lands, whose understanding is darkened, being alienated from the life of God, through the blindness of their hearts — but of all the unregenerate, without any exception of rank or character. There is a dreadful spirit of atheism pervading the minds of the great mass of mankind. Follow them wherever they go, and the conviction is forced upon every impartial observer, that this is their true condition. Upon all their feelings and sentiments, all their purposes and pursuits, all their dealings in public, and all their social fellowship in private, may be inscribed, "Without God in the world." They have no sense of the divine presence; no realizing impression of Him, in whom they live, and move, and have their being. They live as if they were indeed the inhabitants of a forsaken and fatherless world; as if it were the result of mere accident, and that whatever transpires, whether in the history of nations or individuals, had no other cause than that of blind, unaccountable chance. Were the wretched dogma of the atheist demonstrated to be true, they could hardly exclude all sense of Deity more completely from their minds, than is done by them at present.
With the pious Psalmist, it was quite the reverse. He realized the presence of God continually; he felt that He was ever near, encompassing his path and his lying down, and besetting him behind and before. He endured, like Moses — as seeing Him who is invisible. If he looked up to the heavens — he saw Him there; if he surveyed the earth — he found Him there; if he retired into the secrecies of his own bosom — he felt Him there. God was emphatically in all his thoughts. And those thoughts were not a source of pain to him — but of the highest and purest pleasure. They were the congenial atmosphere of his spiritual being. They were the moral element which his soul inhaled, and by which he was invigorated, refreshed, and comforted.
Reader, do you know what it is to have a habitual sense of the presence of God? Is the desire of your soul to His name, and to the remembrance of Him? Is it your grief that you are living so far from Him; that you do think so little of Him; and that you have no more to do with Him? O, be anxious to possess an abiding consciousness of the great truth — that the eye of God is ever upon you! "You, God, see me!" was the solemn — yet sweet and supporting conviction of Hagar; and may you realize the same devout feeling. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing — set the Lord always before you. Having Him at your right hand, whatever difficulties and dangers may surround your path — you shall never be moved!
4. The Voice from Heaven
Isaiah 3:10
“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”
The human family is divided into a great variety of social and artificial distinctions. The various grades of which society is at present composed are, doubtless, necessary; it is evident that they are of divine appointment, and flow from the circumstances and relations in which mankind are now placed. But, in the sight of God — there are but two classes, into which the multifarious elements of universal humanity can be resolved. There are only the righteous — and the wicked; those who serve God — and those who serve Him not. Concerning one of these classes the voice from heaven proclaims that it shall be well with them; while above the other it pronounces a solemn woe, and they are assured that recompense shall be given to them.
That it shall be well with the righteous, appears from many considerations. He is reconciled to God, and has peace with Him, through our Lord Jesus Christ. In their natural state — all men are God's enemies; the carnal mind is enmity against God; with such, therefore, it must bode dreadful. What makes the condition of a wicked man to be so fearful, is the solemn fact that God is against him! And what makes that of the righteous to be so blessed, is that God is for him! "If God is for us — who can be against us?" All the divine attributes are arrayed against the impenitent sinner — but when he becomes a saint, they all join to take his part. Such being the case, having the eternal Jehovah in all his boundless perfections on his side, it cannot be otherwise than well with him.
It shall be well with the righteous, not merely in life — but in death. It is appointed, by the irrevocable decree of heaven — that all men must die. There is no discharge in that war — no release from that mortal struggle!
Wealth has no bribe which death will receive.
Wisdom has no art by which death can be avoided.
Power has no defense against death.
Beauty has no charm to death's eye.
The voice of eloquence is lost to death's ear.
Even religion has no security from death's stroke!
Here the mightiest conqueror is vanquished — and the proudest of monarchs finds himself a slave! From its ruthless grasp — no age, no condition can escape! Those who are in the bloom and freshness of youth cannot escape — for "man, at his best estate, is altogether vanity." The great and prosperous cannot escape — for "the rich man also died — and was buried." The wicked cannot escape — he is driven, yes, dragged away in his wickedness; the most fearful of all deaths is his — that of dying in his sins! Neither can the righteous escape — he must go the way of all the earth, and become a tenant of the silent grave!
But, at that solemn season, it shall be well with him. When the last sands of the numbered hour are running out; when his earthly friends will be compelled to leave him; when the cold dews of death will be standing in large drops upon his pallid brow; when every nerve and vein may be racked and wrenched in fearful agonies by the irresistible power of the grim tyrant; even then it shall be well with him. The dying strife will soon be over, and through death's gloomy portals — he will enter upon that blessed state where all is peace and bliss forever!
O, my soul, seriously ask yourself the question, what is my spiritual state and character? Am I one of the righteous, who is reconciled to God by the death of His Son, and who seek to walk before him in all well-pleasing? Do I know of the blessedness of the man whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sins are covered?
"If sin is pardoned, I'm secure,
Death has no sting beside;
The law gives sin its damning power,
But Christ, my ransom, died!"
Very soon will the solemn summons be issued; even now the Judge stands at the door; and when the midnight cry is heard, "Behold the bridegroom comes, go out to meet Him!" — shall I be found among those who are ready to enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb? Of one thing let us be well assured — that it is only as we are clothed in that righteousness which is unto all and upon all those who believe; that it is only as we are covered with the wedding garment — that spotless, stainless, seamless robe, which alone can hide our spiritual deformity — that we shall be acknowledged as those who are worthy to have an inheritance among them that are sanctified.
"Blessed Jesus! this is my petition and this is my request, that I may be found in You, not having my own righteousness, which at best is only filthy rags. Make me righteous through Your righteousness, and lovely through Your loveliness. Being found by You in peace, without spot and blameless, I shall be able to lift up my head amid the groans of dissolving nature, and, leaving a weltering world on fire, I shall mount aloft, shouting with all your saints — Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
5. The Mystical Union
Colossians 1:27
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”
The believer's present and everlasting well-being, is secured in virtue of his union with the Lord Jesus. If Christ is in him — then no evil can befall him; he can welcome the greatest sorrows and sufferings; he can triumph in tribulations, and rejoice in anticipation of the glory to be revealed. If Christ is in him — he can say to Satan, "Do your utmost; exert all your hellish rage; I do not fear you!" If Christ is in him, he can say to death, "Come, O messenger of my Father's love — I cannot escape your stroke — but your sting being extracted, I am not dismayed!" If Christ is in him — all will be well: in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity, in time and throughout eternity!
"My Beloved is mine — and I am His!" Song of Songs 2:14. This is the language of the Christian in the book of Canticles. How great is the blessedness involved, in such an assurance! My beloved Jesus is mine . . .
in the dignity of His person;
in the suitability of His offices;
in the immensity of His love;
in the efficacy of His atonement;
in the riches of His abounding grace!
His righteousness is mine — to justify me,
His Spirit is mine — to sanctify me,
His power is mine — to defend me,
His wisdom is mine — to guide me, and
His heaven is mine — to receive me!
And what does Christ say to the believer in return? "I am yours — and all that I have is yours! I have boundless and unsearchable riches — and those riches are for you! I have happiness to bestow, such as the mind in its largest grasp has never been able to conceive — and that happiness is for you! I have crowns and scepters at My disposal — and all those honors are for you! Yes, to him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on My glorious throne!"
The Christian's exaltation and bliss is not a matter of doubtful disputation. And what makes it so certain? It is the blessed truth that the union which exists between him and Christ — is an indissoluble union! All other relations, however close and endearing, must be broken. That union of husband and wife, and soul and body — has no power to resist the assault of death, the great destroyer. But hear what the voice from heaven proclaims: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord!" Not merely did they live in Him — but they die in Him; the union remains undisturbed!
All earthly ties must then be severed. But death, which breaks every other bond — only strengthens the bond between the Christian and Christ! Death, which quenches every other love — only kindles that of the believer for Jesus, into a purer and intenser flame! Death, which snatches every other object from our grasp — only brings us to the full enjoyment of Him, who is the fountain of life, the great center and source of all blessedness.
Christian, rejoice in your union with Jesus! The changes of time cannot touch it; the storms of life cannot injure it; the sword of persecution cannot sever it; the damps of deathcannot affect it; the malice of hell cannot move it. It is a union which will last forever. It follows, therefore, that you, if a partaker of it — will be rich forever, safe forever, dignified forever, and blessed forever!
6. Serving the Lord
Acts 9:6
“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”
To prove the sincerity of our love to the Lord Jesus is something vitally important. Such as we are, as regards our feelings towards Him — that we are as to our acceptance at the high court of heaven. Without love to Christ — we cannot be the friends of Christ; and if we are not His friends — we are His enemies, and the day is coming when it will be said in a voice louder than ten thousand thunders, "Those enemies of Mine, who would not have Me reign over them — bring them here, and slay them in My presence!"
It is by obedience to His commands, and a spirit of consecration to His service — that we are to show that we are His true friends and followers. "If you love Me — keep My commandments." In reference to all that He commands, we should seek to possess a spirit of cheerful, unreserved, and universal compliance. When He calls us — our language should be, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!" Should He bid us depart, even to earth's remotest bounds, this should be our instant reply, "Here I am Lord — send me!" Were He even to demand our lives as an offering; if He required our heart's blood to be poured as a libation at His feet; we should strive to say, with His servant of old, "Yes, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice!" Such, doubtless, will true love to Christ ever be in its tendency; and, sustained by all-sufficient grace, such it will be, if necessary, in actual operation. It will make us to be martyrs in spirit — even if we are not called upon to be martyrs in real fact.
In general, however, the Savior's requirements are not difficult to be complied with; and without being either missionaries or martyrs, we may promote His cause, and glorify His adorable name. We can sincerely serve the Lord Christ — without moving in an extensive sphere, or occupying any prominent and public position. What we need is a spirit that will lead us to devote ourselves to His service, according to the opportunities we enjoy. All true Christians will do something, even the poorest and youngest. It often happens that the influence of many are very great, when they appear to have little, or none at all. "That child," said Pericles, pointing to his boy at play, "rules the world; and," he added, "I will tell you how: he rules his mother; his mother rules me; I rule the Athenians; the Athenians rule Greece; and Greece rules the world." Such was the power, for good or for evil, which that little one possessed. Yes, the feeblest and most insignificant can do something, more in general — far more than they themselves imagine.
But, whatever be the measure of our ability, it is certain that the Savior deserves the utmost of our services. When we think of what He has done for us, and what we have done for Him — shame and confusion of face should be felt even by the most active and devoted. How appropriate is the inquiry, and how worthy of being seriously pondered,
"And is this all that you can do,
For Him who did so much for you?"
Who can think of the sacrifices Christ made, of the sufferings He endured, and of the cruel death which He died — without consecrating talents, opportunities, wealth, influence, all the faculties of our souls, and all the members of our bodies, to the service of Him who displayed love so amazing, so divine; love which originated the whole interposition of mercy on our behalf; love which still glows in His breast, uncooled by distance, and undiminished by the matchless splendors which now surround Him; love, concerning which, when imagination is wearied, and all language is utterly exhausted, we can truly say that it is — as ancient as eternity, as boundless as eternity, as endless as eternity!
"Eternity, too short to speak His praise,
Or fathom this profound of love to man!"
7. The Patriarch's Piety
Genesis 5:24
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
The general strain of the chapter in which these words are found, is calculated to fill the mind with mournful reflections. It contains a record of the antediluvian patriarchs; and although the period of their earthly existence was greatly protracted, we are here shown that they were a mortal race after all. The concluding statement in reference to each is, "And he died." They were, doubtless, men of note in their respective generations; but whatever the sphere in which they moved, and the stirring scenes through which they passed — yet all that is said of them is, that they lived so many years, begat sons and daughters, and then died. Their biography is closed in succession with the same brief epitaph, "And he died." All their love and hatred, all their doings and sufferings, terminated there.
But while the mind is oppressed with emotions of sadness in perusing these annals of the early inhabitants of the world — we feel no little relief when we reach Enoch, of whom something truly refreshing is recorded. All is melancholy and monotonous in the previous accounts; but when the inspired historian comes down to him, for the first time, the dry uniformity of the narrative is broken, and a flood of glory is poured upon his memory, which has made it precious to the church of God in all ages.
"Enoch walked with God!" What a beautiful representation! Seldom have words so brief, embodied anything so important and comprehensive. The sacred writer might have enlarged upon the diversified particulars of the patriarch's conduct. As a devoted biographer he might have told us of his various excellencies, whereby he shone so brilliantly in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. He might have told us of his abhorrence of all that was evil, and how his righteous soul was vexed from day to day with the filthy lives of the ungodly. He might have told us how he soared above the world with all its vanities and pomps, and how he carried into all the engagements of life, a spirit which seemed to breathe only of heaven. He might have told us how his own will was swallowed up in the divine will, and how entire was his consecration to the divine glory. In accurate detail, and in imposing array — he might thus have delineated the various features which characterized his memorable career. But, at whatever length he might have enlarged, could he in reality have said more than is contained in the simple record before us? All the other particulars are clearly embraced in this one, comprehensive, emphatic, and most instructive statement.
By the course of life, which this eminent saint pursued, he honored God; and, according to His accustomed method, God, in return, honored him. He took him to Himself, not through the ordinary course of death — but by a supernatural and glorious translation. And you, reader, if your present course is that of walking humbly with your God — shall not go unrewarded. He will receive you to His own bosom, although not in the same manner; and you shall be numbered with Enoch and all the saints, in everlasting glory! Let then the daily breathing of your soul be —
"O, for a closer walk with God,
A light to shine upon the road,
A calm and heavenly frame;
That leads me to the Lamb!"
8. The Comfort of Love
Romans 5:5
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
The various graces which dignify and adorn the Christian's character, are only so many modifications of his love to God. What is repentance — but love giving vent to its emotions in tears of godly sorrow. What is faith — but love receiving the testimony that God has given concerning His Son, and resting implicitly upon it for life and salvation. What is zeal — but the fire of love, the Christian being led, under the influence of redeeming love — to live no longer to himself — but to Him who died for him, and rose again. What is holiness — but love assimilating the whole character to the likeness of Him who is its great object. What is resignation — but love receiving the cup of sorrow from a Father's hand, and saying in gentle accents, "May Your will be done." And so with all the other fruits of the Spirit; we behold in them a living embodiment of this crowning grace of love to God — and a practical manifestation of its diversified operations.
This love exists in very different degrees in the hearts of true Christians. In some — it is full of life and vigor; while it is in a low and languishing condition, in others. As regards the latter, how important is it, that their love should be kindled afresh; for, if the preceding representations are correct — where love decays, it will affect the spiritual life in all its branches.
It is true that an apparent weakening of the mere feeling, or sensible enjoyment of love, is no decisive evidence of its actual decline. There is a distinction to be observed between the passion of love and the principle of love; and it is quite possible for the one to be strong and deep — while the other seems to be somewhat faint and feeble. In proof of this, a familiar illustration may be employed.
Let us think of an affectionate father, who has to labor hard to gain a livelihood for his family. After he has finished his daily duties he returns home to his humble dwelling; his children gather around him, and their innocent prattle, and the many winning ways in which they court his smiles, call forth his tenderest affection. On the following morning he goes forth to his work, and bears cheerfully the heat and burden of the day; and why? It is that he might have something to supply the needs of his wife and little ones. Now it is very probable that he did not feel his love operate during the labors of the day in so sensible a manner, as he did the evening before. Having had many things to do, he may have passed several hours without once thinking of them. But this is no proof that he does not then love them; the fact that for their sakes he willingly undergoes so much toil, evinces quite the contrary. And were he, even in the midst of his exertions, to hear of any injury being done to them, he would instantly feel emotions as strong, if not stronger, than ever!
Now so it may be, with the child of God. There are times when he does not feel his love operating in so lively a manner as formerly; he has not that glow and fervor which he experienced at other seasons; but even then, his love may have suffered no diminution. The passion may be less excited — but the principle may continue in all its vitality.
These remarks are not designed for the cold and carnal professor of religion — but for the encouragement of the feeble-minded, who are apt to suspect the genuineness of their piety, simply because their feelings are not always as animated as they would desire.
At the same time, there is such a thing as real declension in the Christian's love, and in all his other graces. The charge brought against the Ephesian believers is one, it is to be feared, that can be brought against many who bear the name of Christ in the present day — "Nevertheless I have something against you, because you have left your first love." They had not openly turned their backs upon God and His cause; they had not, it may be, neglected His ordinances, or profaned His courts by any outward improprieties; but His love in their hearts had greatly cooled, and they were now very declined from what they once were.
Reader, has the love of God been shed abroad in your heart? And if you have some grounds for concluding that such has been the case — it is most important for you to ascertain whether it is now in a flourishing, or decaying state. Be this your frequent, fervent prayer, "Lord, increase my love; may I be more firmly rooted and grounded therein from day to day; and thus prepare me for that blessed world where all Your people not merely see You as You are — but where they love You as they ought!"
9. The Present Help
Psalms 46:1
“(To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
While God has promised never to forsake His people — He has especially manifested Himself to them in seasons of distress. The sacred volume is full of instances confirmatory of this encouraging truth. Take the case of Paul, when he was summoned to stand before Nero. That emperor, it is well known, was a cruel, bloody monster, and his palace was looked upon by the people just as they would have looked upon a leopard's den. Before him, however, the apostle was ordered to appear, and he had to appear alone. He must have had many friends in the imperial city; but, if "a friend in need — is a friend indeed," their friendship, when brought to the test, was found sadly lacking. They probably gathered around him when there was no special danger to be apprehended; but now they thought it prudent not to identify themselves publicly with him and his cause.
They were friends, unfortunately, of the swallow brood, who retire in the winter and return in the spring — a race which is yet by no means extinct. They were of that class whose appropriate emblem is the shadow on the sundial. When the sky is clear the shadow is there; but in the cloudy and dark day it disappears. But, if they proved faithless, there was One who continued true. He did not desert His faithful servant in the trying hour; and enjoying His presence, neither the ravening wolf on the throne, nor the thirsty bloodhounds around him, made the apostle for a single instant to falter or fear. "At my first answer no man stood with me — but all forsook me: I pray God it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom."
In the experience also of the Old Testament saints we have innumerable examples of an equally striking nature. From such we may select the case of David on the occasion of the unnatural rebellion of Absalom. It was with him, then, in all respects, a most trying time. His own son had risen up against him; his chief counselor betrayed him; the hearts of thousands of his people were seduced away from him. See him, not as when in the freshness and vigor of his early days, he encountered the lion and the bear; not as when he stood undismayed, although single and alone, before the uncircumcised Philistine, who had defied the armies of the living God: but behold him — old and grey-headed, the fire of his youth damped by the infirmities of advanced years. Under such circumstances, after being driven from his own palace, view him ascending the steeps of Olivet, with his head uncovered and his feet bare, weeping bitterly as he goes along. There he is — an exile in his own kingdom, wandering from place to place in imminent peril of his life. But, although troubled on every side, and deeply perplexed — yet he was not in despair. His enemies spoke against him, saying, "God has forsaken him; persecute and take him, for there is none to deliver him!" But it was not so; he had an Almighty helper at hand, and hence he could say, "I am as a wonder unto many; but you are my strong refuge." In his distress he called upon the name the Lord, who heard the voice of his supplication, and thus proved Himself to be a present help in time of need.
Reader, make Him your only trust; in all your troubles — repair to Him! Cast your every burden, whether light or heavy — upon Him. His name is a strong tower; the righteous man runs there — and is safe. And if you will make the Most High your habitation, and take shelter beneath the shadow of His wings, you will be safe — safe now, and safe forever!
10. Spiritual Declension
Revelation 3:2
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”
The personal piety of many, there is great reason to fear — is in a very feeble and languishing condition. It has lost much of its hold upon their hearts and consciences — as an elevating, purifying, and satisfying reality. How few there are, who know what it is — to delight in God, to rejoice in the dying love of Christ, and to exult in a clear and unclouded prospect of heaven! How little is there of spirituality of mind, of mortification of sin, of habitual watchfulness, and of wrestling prayer! There may be no gross or glaring immorality — but in the absence of what would be deemed publicly disgraceful in religious professors, there is, in instances not a few, a manifest decline in vital and experimental godliness.
There is something exceedingly insidious, pertaining to a state of spiritual declension; and hence it is a common thing, for those who are under its influence — to be in a great measure unconscious of the fact. It is said of Ephraim, "Strangers have devoured his strength — and he knows it not! Yes, grey hairs are here and there upon him — yet he knows it not!" Hosea 7:10. So it is, alas! with many a professor in the present day. Instead of his soul being in a vigorous and thriving state, there has been a woeful decline — yet he knows it not. Others know it; they cannot fail to observe what an altered man he is now when compared with what he was a few years ago. They clearly perceive that the world has been gaining the ascendancy over him; that the conversation and company of the people of God are now but little relished; and that he is far less attentive to his pious duties than he was formerly. But while this is so palpable to others, it is, if not altogether, yet to a considerable extent — unknown to himself.
This may be accounted for by the fact, that declension generally comes on in a gradual manner. Had the person passed all at once into such a state, the transition would have been so great, that he could not fail to perceive it. But it stole over him imperceptibly, and thus he knew it not.
Another cause of this ignorance, is the neglect of self-examination. There are very few who rigidly scrutinize their own hearts, and it is, therefore, no wonder that their piety should decline without their knowing it. It is with many in spiritual things, as it is with some in reference to their temporal affairs; they take it for granted that all is going on well. Many a tradesman, had he examined his books in time, might have been preserved from bankruptcy; and many a spiritual bankruptcy might have been avoided, had the secrecies of the inner man been thoroughly scrutinized, with a full determination to know how matters really were.
Reader, seek to know yourself — for all wisdom centers there. Be honest with yourself, and do not allow plausible appearances to impose upon you. Be continually jealous over yourself, and that with a godly jealousy. The fruits of self-confidence have been truly disastrous; while a befitting dread of self-deception has produced the happiest results. With the Royal Psalmist, then, let your daily prayer be, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24
https://gracegems.org/
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento