ACCEPTABLE WITH GOD.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation
of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O
Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."—
PSA. 19:7-14.
In the midst of the trying scenes of this day of the Lord how necessary that all the little company of consecrated ones should continually breathe this prayer. Doubtless all feel the almost overwhelming force with which the tide of innumerable temptations are brought to bear against them. To some the world presents unusual attractions, to some business brings increasing cares, to some error presents its most plausible and deluding forms, and to others weariness in the conflict with temptations within and without calls for rest and inactivity; and because iniquity abounds the love of many waxes cold.
The inspired Psalmist not only puts this prayer in our mouth, but he suggests the means by which we may be acceptable to God, recommending the Word of the Lord as able to bring about this desired result, saying: "The law (margin—doctrine) of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul"—bringing us back to a condition of harmony with God. Without a close study of the teaching of our Father's Word it is impossible to do or think those things that are pleasing in his sight. "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Those who come to the Word of the Lord in simplicity of heart, with no other desire than to know his will, shall surely obtain the heavenly wisdom.
"The statutes (precepts—teachings) of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart—imparting the necessary stimulus to enable us to stem the tide of opposition. "The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes"—giving us the right ideas of justice, love, etc. "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever." Filial fear of the Lord, which dreads to do anything to break the existing harmony, is a right and proper fear, not a slavish fear; and this loving fear will endure forever between those whose hearts are thus in harmony with God.
"The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." His judgments as to right and wrong in any matter are always correct. If we cannot trust our own warped and erring judgment, we may always find a clear and unmistakable expression of our Father's unerring judgments in his precious Word.
"More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." We should thus appreciate and search for our Father's judgments, our Father's expressions of justice and right and truth. "Moreover, by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward." We are warned against the danger and errors into which our own warped and erring judgment would lead us; for "Who can understand his (own) errors?" Let our prayer ever be, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins." If we presume to set up our judgment against the Lord's judgment in any matter, as expressed in his Word, we fall at once into the snare of the adversary.
In view of these things, let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, meditating much upon the precepts and teachings of his Word, that through them we may be imbued with their spirit. And thus the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord, our strength and our Redeemer.