July 29

"In the name of our God we will set up our banners."—Psalms 20:5.

HERE is faith distrusting all human strength. Not of former victories, not of man's bravery and prowess, not of the soldier's daring and the captain's strategy and skill, does the singer make his boast. It is a lesson to me. I do not redeem my soul, I do not confirm my life, I do not deepen my holiness, by my own painful and strenuous efforts. Apart from my God, I can do nothing. I must look out and look up. From beginning to end, it must be "none of self and all of Thee."

Here is faith bringing the future into the present. It esteems the victory already won, though the battle is not yet commenced. It sees the enemy prone on the earth. It sees Israel risen from subjection and standing firm. So it should be with me. I should sing my song of triumph in the midst of the tempestuous and fierce conflict. I should be sure that the quiet haven and the conqueror's crown await me. Like Jehoshaphat and his Levites, I should march to the fight praising God for all the grace I have not tasted yet.

Here is faith making its boast in Jehovah. Again and again it tells out its unwavering confidence in Him. Thus let me speak. What is there my gracious and mighty Lord will not give me, will not do for me? From haunting fears, from sharp accusations, from evil thoughts, from nervelessness and impotence, from unholy habits, from the dominion of death—from every enemy He sets me safe and free. Only let me take ten looks to Him for one I take at myself, and the black squadrons of my antagonists will torment me no more.

Therefore in His name I shall unfurl my banner. What a regnant, lofty, inviolate name it is!