March 2

He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things. - 2 Samuel 23:5.

THIS covenant of salvation shows that God is good. His work is perfect, and all his ways are judgment; he hath done all things well. It is “ordered in all things.” Its arrangements are perfect. At present we can but imperfectly survey this order; but though we now see through a glass darkly, by and by this mystery will be more fully developed. We shall then find that all heaven will be filled with admiration and praise at the manifold wisdom of God herein. But we even now see some and much of its excellency. It is so ordered in all things as to harmonise and display the Divine perfection; as to unite his honour with my happiness, that while he redeems Jacob he glorifies himself in Israel. It is so ordered in all things, that while the sinner is encouraged he is abased, and abased while he is encouraged; that sin is pardoned while condemned, and condemned while it is pardoned. It is so ordered in all things, as to provide for everything we need, and only as we need it, from the fulness of the Redeemer and not from ourselves. This will serve to influence our love, check self-confidence, incite to diligence, and promote intercourse with our Lord and Saviour. It is so ordered in all things, as to separate care and duty; so that while it delivers us from all anxiety about events, by showing us the providence of God, managing all things for us-God caring for us-it frees us from solicitude, and leaves us free to pursue our work, and nothing else.

In a word, we see it is so ordered in all things, as to prove that the Author of it was a being who perfectly knew us and all our condition, and that he perfectly loved us; for he has wisely and mercifully adapted all things to all our woes, wants, weakness, and wishes. Therefore to this a believer turns in a dark and cloudy day, and not only submits but acquiesces. He glories in the scheme, and wishes to glory in nothing else.

“Amidst temptations sharp and long,

My soul to this dear refuge flies;

Hope is my anchor, firm and strong,

When tempests blow and billows rise.”