Twenty-fifth Day: "Thou preparest a table before me."
There is a sudden change here in the figure of the psalm. In many
of the preceding thoughts we have been walking, but now the picture
is that of feasting.
But this is always true; when one walks with God, he always feasts.
And it is a prepared feast; God had our needs in mind when he spreads it. There is there that which will overcome our discontent, and there is food which will cause us all to rejoice even in the face of disappointment.
"I say it over and over, and yet again to-day
It rests my heart as surely as it did yesterday;
'It is the Lord's appointment;'
Whatever my work may be,
I am sure in my heart of hearts
He has offered it for me."I must say it over and over, and yet again to-day,
For my work is somewhat different from yesterday;
'It is the Lord's appointment;'
It quiets my restless will
Like voice of tender mother,
And my heart and will are still."I will say it over and over, this and every day,
Whatsoever the Master orders, come what may,
'It is the Lord's appointment;'
For only his love can see
What is wisest, best, and right,
What is truly good for me."
He places before us just that which may produce well-rounded, symmetrical Christian character. But, as we might starve in the presence of a well-laden board, so in spite of all God's gracious provision we may remain children in weakness, and miserably fail; on the other hand, he that eateth shall never hunger.
Suggestions for To-day.
1. Whatever other interpretation may be given to our feeding
upon Christ, this at least is true: we must take time to
do it, and time must be taken to-day to satisfy the soul's
needs.
2. It is not what we eat, but what is digested that gives strength
to the body; so it is what you shall meditate upon to-day that
will make you strong in the Lord.
3. Gratitude is the golden key that unlocks and keeps open the
rich storehouse of God's best gifts; so make your requests known "with
thanksgiving" for the prepared table.
4. "Be careful for nothing, prayerful for everything, thankful
for anything." Phil. 4:6.
From The Secret of a Happy Day: Quiet Hour Meditations by J. Wilbur Chapman. Boston: United Society of Christian Endeavor, ©1899.
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