Commit Thy Ways Unto The Lord
“Commit thy ways unto the Lord: trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.”—Psalm 37:5
We are too apt to forget where we are, what we are called to, and whither we are going. When we take a survey of the present state of men and things, judge according to appearances in nature and sense, and see one event happen alike to all, we are ready to ask, what advantage then hath the Christian; or what profit is there to new-born believing souls?
Much every way. For unto them, chiefly, are committed the oracles of God. The bible is an epistle of love; the tender affections of our loving Father, the living and dying compassions of our elder brother Jesus, breathe in every page. Here we see the various conflicts and trials our former brethren in the flesh were exercised with; how they were supported under, and carried through all, safe to glory; and this, by the very same grace and power which is still our happy portion. They, being dead, yet speak to us; to animate and encourage our hearts to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
We see in them the inexplicable mysteries of Providence unveiled, how out of the weakness of nature they were made strong in grace. It is the glory and excellency of believers to take their views, and form their judgment from God’s truths; to oppose nature, sense, and feeling; to stand still and wait to see the salvation of God; to omit no appointed means, but to be diligent in the way of God’s institutions, quietly and patiently submitting every issue to his wisdom and goodness. This is the obedience of faith, and is attended with the patience of hope, and the issue is always determined in love. It is impossible it should be otherwise, for it is the immutable decree of heaven, that ‘all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’ Rom. 8:28.
Committing our way to God unburdens the mind; trusting our all to him, makes the heart quite easy; relying on him to bring our concerns to pass, makes the spirit joyful. But when carnal reason is suffered to make its report, then with Jacob we cry, ‘All these things are against us.’ Hence fainting and drooping come from fear, fear from doubting, doubting from unbelief, and unbelief chiefly prevails through ignorance and inattention to God’s word of grace, his covenant love, precious promises, and solemn oath in Christ Jesus. Ever needful is this prayer of faith, “Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17:5.
How easy I live,
How joyful I sing,
When I to my Lord,
My ways do commit.
I’m safe like a bird,
Soar’d high on the wing;
My Lord brings to pass,
All things he sees fit.
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.”
