The Christians state of dependence

Posted : 3 Jul, 2013 03:56 AM

Psalm 119:117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto Your statutes continually.





Such is my sense of need and peril, that my only refuge lies in

"continuing instant in prayer." I must send up one cry after

another into my Father's ear for the support of His upholding

grace. For not only the consciousness of my weakness, but

the danger of the slippery path before me, reminds me, that

the safety of every moment depends upon my upholding

faithful God. The ways of temptation are so many and

imperceptible-the influence of it so appalling- the entrance into

it so deceitful, so specious, so insensible-my own weakness

and unwatchfulness so unspeakable-that I can do nothing but

go on my way, praying at every step-Hold me up, and I shall

be safe. Often, indeed, can I remember, when "my feet were

almost gone, my steps had well-near slipped:" that I have

been enabled to record-"Your mercy, O Lord, held me up."

How beautiful is the picture given of the church of old! "Who is

this that comes up from the wilderness, leaning upon her

Beloved?" This state of dependence was familiar to the

Psalmist, and aptly delineates his affectionate, though

conflicting, confidence. "My soul follows hard after You: Your

right hand upholds me." The recollection of the care of his

God, from his earliest life, supplied encouragement for his

present faith, and matter for unceasing praise-"By You have I

been held up from the womb; You are He who took me out of

my mother's affections: my praise shall be continually of You."

We cannot wonder, then, that this confidence should sustain

his soul in the contemplation of the remaining steps of his

pilgrimage, and his prospects for eternity. "Nevertheless"-says

he-"I am continually with You: You have held me by Your right

hand. You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards

receive me to glory." And, indeed, the more lively my spiritual



by

Charles Bridges

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