HOW TO KEEP FROM FALLING.
By Mrs. Lenna Iselin
DISCOURAGEMENT often arises from the fact that, after beginning a new life, we often fall. Roots of pride, jealousy, hatred, strife, and impatience have been placed by Satan all along the way, and he rejoices when we fall. The world also is watching our progress, and every deviation from the right path is noticed and commented upon. Our failures are used as stumbling-blocks for others, who seem to forget that we are only mortal, and that naturally we have the same evil tendencies as they. Besides, as soon as we accept Christ, Satan uses every artifice conceivable to cause our downfall. Forces are brought to bear on us that they know nothing of; so they stand at one side, and look at our faults through Satan’s magnifying glass. They seek to cover their sins with our failures; but every sin will be uncovered in the day of judgment, and “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” All this leads to discouragement. We know that we fall, often; and we are hurt by it. We feel sad because of it. Nevertheless, we need not despair; for there is One watching us with tender pity. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Why? — “For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” This assurance that we have one pitiful, loving Friend, though all others fail, is indeed comforting. We may always find a balm for every wound, if we turn to the word of God. We may also find a preventive. Job says, “Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.” Peter says, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” The Lord says through His prophet Isaiah, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. . . . For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” The great trouble is we think of the Lord as one far away, about whom we have read and heard a great deal, but have never had a close, personal acquaintance with Him. Let us accustom ourselves to the thought that He is close by our side; that we are never one moment alone. When we feel the need of help, He is ready to protect us. Let us place our hand confidently in His, and walk with Him. No matter how rough the way may be, we can safely follow Jesus. He has trod the way before. He knows where all the protruding roots, thorns, and briars may be found; and He will help us through all the difficult places if we let Him. “Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him.” He was translated. We who are hoping for translation when Jesus comes must, before that time, have learned to walk with God. We ourselves can do nothing. Often Satan allows us to gain a few victories to establish confidence in self; but no sooner do we begin to feel confident of success, than our confidence is terribly shaken by a fall. Let us surrender self “unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Saviour, let me walk with thee;
Strengthen thou the feeble knee,
That I fall not by the way;
Hold my trembling hand, I pray.