So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. (Proverbs
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,
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.
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