Guided to Safety

10 APRIL

The way of the just is uprightness: Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. Isaiah 26:7

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 119: 1-16

Let us commit ourselves to God and follow Him as our leader, and we shall be guided in safety. Though snares and artifices, strategies of the devil and wicked men, and innumerable dangers may surround us, God will enable us to escape. We will feel what the prophet says here, that our ways, even amid deep chasms, are made plain, so that there is no obstacle to hinder our progress.

Indeed, experience shows that if we are not led by God's guidance, we will not be able to push our way along rugged roads, for so great is our weakness that we shall scarcely advance a single step without stumbling at the smallest stone that comes in our way. Satan and wicked men not only entangle and delay us by many perplexities and small difficulties, but also cause us sometimes to encounter high mounds and deep pits, which even the whole world would be unable to avoid. 

It is therefore proper for us to acknowledge how much we need heavenly direction. We should confess with Jeremiah, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).

In vain, therefore, do men form plans and deliberate and decide about their ways, if God does not stretch out His hand. But He holds it out to the righteous and takes peculiar care of them. While the providence of God extends to all, and while God supplies the needs of young ravens and sparrows and of the smallest animals, yet He has a special fatherly kindness toward the godly and delivers them out of dangers and difficulties.

John Calvin 

FOR MEDITATION:

Consider how powerless we are in so many trials - sickness, economic woes, death, war - and in temptations such as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We should have very little trouble in acknowledging our need for the Lord to guide us in His paths! How has God guided you in His ways and kept you in safety recently? Ask for His aid again today.

365 Days With Calvin 

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke