June 25

"Your heart shall live, that seek God." — Psalms 69:32.

THE Psalm before us was doubtless penned by David in a season of sore affliction. We have in it a statement of his trying case, and the assurance he felt that God would hear and deliver him. The words selected as the subject of our meditation, hold out to us abundant encouragement to wait upon God and keep his way. Observe

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US IN A WAY OF DUTY. To seek God. This implies that we have lost him; by sin we have lost his presence, his likeness, his friendship, and his favor. We cannot be happy till we have found him.

Its object. "God." It is the mark of a wicked man, that he does not inquire after God, nor feel desirous of seeking him; but it is the evidence of a Christian, that he seeks God. This is the noblest pursuit in which we can possibly engage. We must seek an experimental knowledge of him, a firmer reliance on him, nearer communion with him, and greater devotedness to him; his favor, his pardon, his grace, and his guidance. Are not these worth possessing?

Its scenes. Where is he to be sought? He has not left us in ignorance respecting this matter. We must seek him in Christ, as the way; with the word as our rule, the Spirit as our guide, and glory as our end. He is not far from us in nature and in providence, but in the word he is very near unto us. Seek him in the oracles of truth; here he is set forth clearly and fully. Seek him in his house; here he is exhibited in all the grandeur of his majesty, the depth of his condescension, the loveliness of his character, the plenitude of his grace, and the nature of his requirements. Seek him at the mercy-seat; here he sits to commune with you; the Spirit is ready to help your infirmities, and Jesus bids you welcome. Seek him at all times, you can never come out of season.

Its manner. The coldness of formality should never be united with the warmth of devotion. The fire in the temple of our hearts must never go out; but there will be great danger of its burning very dimly, unless we stir it up in the cultivation of a spiritual and devotional frame. God must be sought with our whole heart; all its powers and passions must be employed; we must seek him simply in his own way, and dependently, on his own strength.