Strength and Perfection.
By A. S. Hutchins
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” Ps. 18:32. The girdle was a necessary and important part of the eastern dress. Without it, the outer garment could not conveniently be worn, especially while walking and journeying. So David felt that unless his soul was strengthened of God, he could not meet with and successfully encounter his foes. How much and often does this Christian pilgrim, bound to Mt. Zion, realize the need of the energizing influence of the Spirit of God, to sustain and help him Heavenward. Said one, who was not a stranger to temptations, sacrifices and self-denial, stripes or imprisonments, perils by land and sea, in the city and in the wilderness, among his own countrymen and among false brethren, who knew from personal experience what hunger and thirst, fastings oft, in cold and nakedness, meant; and who had learned the lesson of the most intrinsic value, “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13. Oh! for such firm trust and unshaken confidence in the adorable Son of God! Who would not most cheerfully give him the whole heart, and suffer all that is requisite? As gold is tried in the fire, to remove worthless matter and determine its true value, so the people of God are often subjected to the furnace of affliction to test the strength and depth of their love to him, and fit them for a higher sphere of usefulness, and perfection, and for the heavenly kingdom, where divine strength and perfection will unfold with all their attracting excellences and inconceivable loveliness. “I languish and sigh to be there,
Where Jesus hath fixed his abode;
Oh! when shall we meet in the air,
And fly to the mountain of God?” Says the inspired penman, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Ps. 103:13, 14. Weary and afflicted pilgrim, look up! hope still in a Father so kind and affectionate. In him you may be strong. He bears all creation up. He numbereth the very hairs of your head. He hears every uncomplaining moan, and witnesseth every tear. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” A. S. Hutchins.