March 30

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand. I shall not be moved."—Psalms 16:8.

THESE words have a threefold reference, and may be viewed as applying literally to David, typically to Christ, and spiritually to the believer. We shall consider them in the latter sense. Note

THE COURSE ADOPTED. Setting the Lord before us implies

Recognition. As if he had said, I will cherish an abiding sense of the divine presence. It is well when the mind is duly affected with this; we cannot indulge in levity; the tone of our feelings will be raised, and we shall be constrained to seriousness.

Admiration. The sinner sets God behind him, and the world before him; but it is just the reverse with the believer; God is the supreme object of his regard, and every thing else is of secondary consideration.

Imitation. We are to set the Lord before us, as the scholar does the copy for his direction. Though there is much in the Divine character that is inimitable, yet there are many things in his natural perfections in which we may be followers of him.

Duration. This is to be done "always." In retirement, by spiritual meditation; in the social circle, by religious conversation; in relative duties, devotional engagements, commercial transactions, and in all that concerns us. We are to set his will before us as the rule of our faith and practice, his perfections for our imitation, his promises for our encouragement, his sufficiency for our support, and his glory for our end.

THE CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED. This may be noticed in

Its nature. "I shall not be moved." His faith should not be destroyed, though it might be shaken. He should remain firm amidst the storms and tempests that gather around him. In the same sense Paul said, "None of these things move me."

Its ground. "Because he is at my right hand;" near to strengthen and support me, to enliven my hopes, and dispel my fears.