August 14
The Christian's Remembrance of Past Experience
The Christian's Daily Treasury"O my soul! thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord." — Psalms 16:2.
EXPERIMENTAL religion is a gem of incalculable worth; no artificial ornaments of external knowledge will compensate for the want of it. In the commencement of this Psalm we have David's retrospect of past experience; in the conclusion of it, his anticipations of future glory.
THE SOLEMN ACT REFERRED TO. It is the act of personal dedication to God. Note here, The renunciation implied. When the soul is consecrated to God, the service of other masters is cast off. "Other lords besides thee have had dominion over us; but by thee only will we make mention of thy name." The covenant made. Every Christian has entered into a solemn engagement to give himself up to God for life and death. The portion claimed. "Thou art my Lord." The word Adonai signifies, My stayer. God is the only stay and support of the soul. The sincerity evinced. "O my soul," &c. Dedication to God is an act of the soul. But when is it expressed? In conversion it is first done, but is repeated in after seasons — at the throne of grace — in the sanctuary, before his people — at the sacramental table. This self-dedication to God is the most important act in our lives.
THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS WHICH A REMEMBRANCE OF IT WILL PRODUCE. In resisting temptation. When we are tempted to turn aside from the right way, a remembrance of the vows we have made to live to God, will lead us to resist the enemy. In enduring affliction. When all is dark around, and we are sorely tried, let us remember whose we are, and whom we serve. Our God is able to deliver us. In the time of desertion. Believers are sometimes under the hidings of God's face; a remembrance of past experience, and relief derived, will cheer them in soul distress. In the anticipation of death. Think then of the personal surrender you have made, and comfort yourselves with the firm belief of his faithfulness. If you have lived to him, you shall die in him. It concerns me to know whether I have said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord.