I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

Posted : 18 Feb, 2013 11:44 AM

Psalm 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.





How natural is it to be speaking of that which is our delight!

The man of God was always declaring the Lord's judgments,

because they were his rejoicing. There is indeed a real joy in

despising earthly joys. "How sweet"-said Augustine, referring

to the period of his conversion-"was it in a moment to be free

from those delightful vanities, to lose which had been my

dread; to part with which was now my joy!" More satisfying is

the believer's rejoicing in the way of God, than that of the

miser in his untold riches. Here he may safely say to his soul,

"Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your

ease." And these are the only riches within the reach of all. If

we are poor in this world, it is the Lord's providence. If we are

poor in grace, it is our own fault. It is because we have

despised our Lord's "counsel to buy of Him gold tried in the

fire, that we may be rich." And what is this enriching portion?-

"Things present or things to come;" something enjoyed, and

much more expected: the mercies of eternity added to the blessings of time; the riches of both worlds-all assured to him

by the covenant of grace "in the way of the Lord's

testimonies." Is it not then most strange, that, with such

treasure in possession and in prospect, the child of God

should be so careless in increasing his store, and in

confirming his own interest in it? But the riches of God's

testimonies have this peculiar property, that they cease to

rejoice the heart, when they are not uppermost there. Have

there not been times, when we have actually rejoiced in the

accession of some worldly good, or the accomplishment of

some worldly desire, more than in this heavenly treasure?

What then do we count our riches? To thrive in grace, or in

the world? To be rich towards God, or for our own

indulgence?

But though we would rejoice in the testimonies, and would

not, for all this world can afford, lose a verse or a letter of our

Bibles, yet we cannot be satisfied with a general interest.

Many texts-doctrinal, practical, or experimental-have been

specially sealed by the Divine Spirit upon our hearts. This or

that promise-yes, all the land of promise, as much as I can set

my foot upon-is mine. From these precious testimonies, shall

we not increase our little stock, until we have apprehended

the full enjoyment of the whole; if indeed the fullness of that

which is called "unsearchable" can ever be, in this life at least,

completely enjoyed?

But it is not so much in the Lord's testimonies, as "in the way

of them," that David rejoiced-the way to God, of which they

testify; "the way of holiness," in which they lead-the narrow

way of the cross-so contrary to our natural desires and

inclinations, that none but the true sheep of Christ can ever

enter, or continue in it. Who that walks in these ways will fail

to find them, in duties no less than in privileges, "paths of

pleasantness and peace?" Our happiness is not withered, but

flourishing. "Thus says the Lord, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk

therein, and you shall find rest for your souls."



by

Charles Bridges

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