Going In The Strength Of The Lord God
“I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.”—Psalm 71:16
Wise travelers provide things needful for their journey, and guard against such as lie in wait, by the way, to rob them. Our gracious God calls not his dear children to forsake their native country, to travel to the heavenly city, without furnishing them with a rich supply of all things necessary for their comfort, and also strength to protect them from the power of every enemy. No soldier of his goeth a warfare at his own charge; Christ being both their righteousness and strength, they can want nothing; neither riches nor power. Hence they go on from day to day, glorying in him as their richest treasure, and trusting in him as their almighty strength; and this is their constant song in the house of their pilgrimage, and all through their journey. ‘Surely, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength.’ Isa 45:24. Jesu’s righteousness inspires the soul with boldness before God. Jesu’s strength obtains victory over every enemy. This is the triumph of faith. So believers walk safely and comfortably. Children of grace are not called to be idle speculatists in doctrines, but to a life of activity; to holy walking with Jesus, constant hearing of his love, cheerful obedience to his will, diligent search of the scriptures, stedfast resistance of Satan, striving-daily against sin, and praying always with all prayer and supplication.
Well may one ask, ‘But who is sufficient for these things?’ From natural power and inherent strength, we must all sit down in despair. But faith leads, from self, to Jesus. I can do all things, through Christ strengthening me; so will I go on against my enemies; thus I shall be enabled to walk in the path of every duty. But after I have done all, still my Saviour bids me confess the truth, that I am an uprofitable servant. But is not this discouraging to the soul? No; for it works not to obtain righteousness. It is already clothed with that, and in the view of faith, rejoices in it; abjures all other, and will make mention of Jesu’s righteousness, and his ‘only,’ for acceptance with God, perfect justification before him, from every condemnation of the law, and accusation of Satan. True, doubts and fears may arise, distressing thoughts deject; but happy is our conduct, joyful shall be our experience, while the righteousness of Christ is beheld by faith, as our only hope, our only joy, our only crown of rejoicing. For we are made the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:21.
While in thy righteousness I trust,
Which only makes a sinner just;
This truth of faith, Lord, make me prove,
That faith thou giv’st, which works by love.
My peace and safety lie in this,
My creditor my surety is;
The judgment-day I dread the less.
My Judge is made my righteousness.
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
