As delight quickens to meditation, so does the practical habit of meditation strengthen the principle of delight.

Posted : 20 Feb, 2013 02:19 AM

Psalm 119:16 I will delight myself in Your statutes: I will not forget Your word.





As delight quickens to meditation, so does the practical habit

of meditation strengthen the principle of delight. In the

enjoyment of this delight, the Christian (however small his

attainments may be) would rather live and die, than in the

pursuit, and even in the possession, of the most satisfying

pleasures of a vain and empty world. But if it be a real "delight

in the Lord's statutes," it will be universal-when they probe the secret lurking-places within, and draw out to the full light the

hidden indulgences of a heart that is yet carnal; when they call

for the entire crucifixion of every corrupt inclination, and the

unreserved surrender of all to the self-denying service of our

God. This spirit is very different from the delight of the

hypocrite, which is rather to "know," than to do, the "ways of

his God;" and, therefore, which is satisfied with outward

conformity, with little or no desire to "understand the errors" of

his heart, that he might be "cleansed from secret faults." The

spring of our obedience will therefore prove its sincerity; and

the reality of our love will be manifested by its fruitfulness and

active cheerfulness in our appointed sphere of duty.

We may also observe here an evidence of adoption.

Obedience is not a burden, but a delight. The servant may

perform the statutes of God, but it is only the son who

"delights in them." But what-we may ask-is the spring of

adoption? It is "the Spirit of the Son sent into our hearts,

whereby we cry, Abba, Father." It is because we are at peace

with God through Jesus Christ; because the statutes are the

message of reconciliation through Him, that they become

delightful to those, who are partakers of this great salvation.

"The spirit of adoption," therefore, as the principle of delight, is

the spring of acceptable obedience in the Lord's service.

And surely those who are serving Him in this happy filial walk,

are not likely to "forget His word." As the eye is continually

turned to the object of its affection, so the eye of the soul, that

has been fixed with delight on the ways of God, will be

habitually resting upon them. As one of the wise heathens

observed-'I never yet heard of a covetous old man, who had

forgotten where he had buried his treasure.' The reason is

abundantly evident. His heart is in it. And this explains the

forgetfulness of the ungodly or the formalist. They have no

delight in the statutes. And who is not glad to forget what is

distasteful? But if we "have tasted that the Lord is gracious"-if we have found a treasure "in the way of His testimonies"-we

cannot forget the sweetness of the experience, or where to go

to refresh ourselves with the repetition of it.

Forgetfulness of the word is, however, to the Christian, a

source of continual complaint, and sometimes also of most

distressing temptation. Not that there is always a real charge

of guilt upon the conscience. For, as Boston somewhat

quaintly observes-'Grace makes a good heart-memory, even

where there is no good head-memory.' But means must be

used, and helps may be suggested. Watchfulness against the

influence of the world is of the first importance. How much of

the good seed is choked by the springing thorns! If our hearts

are ever refreshed with spiritual delight, we should be as

cautious of an uncalled-for advance into the world, as of

exposing an invalid's susceptible frame to a damp or an

unhealthy atmosphere. Whatever warmth has been kindled in

spiritual duties, may be chilled by one moment's unwary rush

into an unkindly climate. We would also recommend

increasing attention to the word, as the means of its

preservation-the exercise of "faith," without which it will "not

profit"-the active habit of love, bringing with it a more habitual

interest in the statutes-all accompanied with unceasing prayer

for the gift of the Holy Spirit, made the express subject of

promise for this purpose. Under His heavenly teaching and

recollection, what delight will be found in the statutes! what

blessed remembrance of His word! And what a happy spirit is

this delight and remembrance of the word-the affections

glowing-the memory pondering-the presence and

manifestation of truth keeping the heart in close communion

with God! "O Lord God, keep this forever in the imagination of

the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and prepare their

hearts unto You."



by

Charles Bridges

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