June 26

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

THERE is much in this psalm that applies to Christ in his sufferings; so that, while we maintain the literal, we must not lose sight of the typical sense of its contents. This passage is short, but full of interesting matter. Observe

WHAT IS INSURED TO US BY WAY OF PRIVILEGE. Many separate blessings are promised to those who seek God; but the expression in our text seems to include them all. It is similar to that promise in Isaiah 55:3, "Hear, and your soul shall live."

It is spiritual. Its seat is in the heart, and this is the seat of all true religion. If our religion is all in the head and understanding, it has not done us much good; to benefit us, it must be in the heart, and connected with the experience. Your names may live among men by a profession of religion, while your hearts are not alive to God in the possession of it.

It is comprehensive. It includes every thing that pertains to life and godliness: "Whoso findeth me, findeth life." Your heart shall live in God's favor, and beneath his smiles; in sweet communion with him, and delightful enjoyment of him. It involves soul prosperity, progress in grace, and increase in holiness. Your heart shall live, supported by him in trial, strengthened by him in duty, and animated by him in the prospect of dissolution.

It is certain. "Your heart shall live." You shall realize it; for God has promised it in his word, secured it in his covenant, and has in every age fulfilled it in the happy experience of his people. How lamentable is it, that there are so few who feel a desire to seek God! The glittering toys of this world are eagerly pursued; while the field, where lies hidden the pearl of great price, is passed by with indifference, if not looked at with scorn and contempt. King Henry IV, asked a distinguished individual, if he had observed the great eclipse of the sun which had lately happened; to which he replied, "I have so much to do on earth that I have no time to look up to heaven." Will not this apply to those whose minds are so absorbed with the objects of time, that they seldom give eternity a thought? Oh! seek the Lord while he may be found!