"And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation." - Psalm 107:7
My soul, what are thy daily exercises concerning the way the Lord thy
God is leading thee through a wilderness dispensation? Art thou
convinced that it is the right way? What if it be a thorny way, a
tempted way, frequently a dark way; yet art thou satisfied that it is
the right way, because it is thorny, tempted, dark, and with numberless
other exercises. This is the plan to judge by. And though, my soul, I
trust thou hast grace enough given thee to see and know, in thy cool
hours of thought, that whatever thy God appoints must be right, and his
holy will must be done; yet there is an exercise of grace which goes
much beyond these views of the subject, and which a believer is enabled
to bring into practice, when he not only submits to a painful
dispensation, but rejoiceth in it, because it is the right way. When he
saith, I am afflicted; but afflictions are useful. I am in dark and
trying circumstances; but these also are useful. I am buffeted by
Satan; but this also I find to be right, because Christ is the more
endeared thereby, and his strength is perfected in my weakness. My God
is bringing me by a right way, to a city of habitation. Of this I am
sure. And every step leading to the final attainment, is already marked
by infinite wisdom, and provided for by infinite love; and Jesus
himself is with me through all the pilgrimage. Hence then, I conclude,
that if at any time I am at a loss to see my way, to find comfort in my
way, or if I am obstructed in my way, still it is the right way,
because Jesus himself is the way, and his unerring wisdom is in the
appointment. Oh for grace in lively exercise, to be as satisfied now of
all the dispensations concerning the church and people, as when of old,
in the wilderness! The Lord is leading forth by a right way, to bring
to a city of habitation, whose builder and maker is God.
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