Psalm 71:1-24 In you, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.… I. THE LIFE OF FAITH IS A CONSTANT REALIZATION OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD. The mountain was as full of the chariots of fire when the prophet's servant did not perceive them as when he did. Christ was just as much present with the disciples when their eyes were holden as when they were open. God speaks with men as truly to-day as in the time of Abraham. It is because our minds are preoccupied with other matters that we fail to perceive God. II. THE LIFE OF FAITH IS ENTERED UPON BY A DEFINITE VOW. If such be the life of faith, how few of us have entered upon it! This may be due to some obstacle, such as an unfulfilled duty, or a disregarded command, or a permitted practice opposed to God's will. But if it be none of these, then most likely it is because the attitude of faith has net been consciously and definitely assumed. We must take our all and lay it at the feet of Christ. This is the wicket-gate by which we enter upon the blessed life of faith. Brainerd Taylor, feeling that he needed something which he did not possess, lifted up his heart in prayer, and became conscious of giving up all to God, and then he cried, "Here, Lord, take me, take my whole soul, and seal me Thine now, and Thine for ever." III. SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE TAXING OF SUCH A VOW. Let it be taken with all seriousness, and let it be a very definite one. Doddridge gives this advice, "Set your hand and seal to it that on such a day and year, and at such a place, on full consideration and serious reflection, you come to this happy resolution, that whatever others might do, you would serve the Lord." Doddridge's own vow was a very elaborate and detailed one. It may not be necessary to draw up a document setting forth one's vow, but in some definite way it should be taken. (R. C. Ford, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.WEB: In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. |
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