THE SECRET OF THE INNER WAY

So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. (Proverbs 2:20 NKJV)

 This chapter abounds in references to the way and path. Walk occurs three times, paths seven, and ways five. Here we read of the way or path by which good and righteous men have preceded us. The old Christian mystics were fond of talking of the inward way and its various stages. They said that God was alone the center and satisfaction of the human soul that we must advance along the pathway traversed by holy souls before us until we have realized the motto of Monica: "Life in God and union there."

True knowledge of God and union with Him are only to be attained by those who will not shrink before the perils and steepness of the straight gate and narrow way. It is not necessary to leave the body to reach the inner secret of God. The path may be walked on this side of the grave. Stony and steep it may be, but when it climbs the crest, and the whole glory of the heavens is in view, the soul is satisfied. In the attainment of true wisdom God is willing, yes, even eager to give, but we must be sincere and earnest in our desire to obtain (Proverbs 2:1-9). Notice the many words that are employed to stir up our search. Receive! Hide! Incline the ear and apply the heart! The treasures of God, like those of the gold mine, do not lie on the surface, but no labor is more profitable. Our heavenly Father not only gives good things to them that ask Him, but He becomes our Shield and Buckler, our Protector and Guide (Proverbs 2:7-8).

These are the stages of the inner way, which the saints have trodden before us: Detachment from the ambitions, passions and sins of nature; Attachment, i.e., the attitude of fellowship with Christ; illumination, which reveals to the soul its unworthiness; union with God. This is the experience of few, but they who have described it remind us that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, what God's Spirit reveals to those who love and wait for Him. But you must be prepared to sacrifice all. He, who seeks diamonds, or gold, will face hardships and relinquish much that other men hold dear, that he may prosecute his quest. Not otherwise must it be with those who would understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

PRAYER

Make us more conscious, Father God, we beseech You, of the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit: may He witness within us that in spite of our sin we are still Your children: may He enable us to mortify the deeds of the body, and to reckon ourselves dead to the temptations of the flesh. I pray this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #321:
Just ask and you will receive. 

Matthew 7:7 (WEB)
“Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find.
Knock, and it will be opened for you.