STRONGHOLD OF TRUTH
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promise or a warning or an encouragement or an example, we must seek to make it our own and see that it has its right influence upon our life. (5) Then, when our Bible meditation is thus daily, diligent, ·direct and definite, it will also be delightful. Like the Psalmist we shall say, "How sweet are Thy words to my taste." "I rejoice at Thy word as one that findeth great spoil." "Thy words were found and I did eat them ; they were to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" (Jer. 15 :16). Delights of Meditation It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this aspect of Bible study. Not only is it the secret of spir itual power in personal character, but it is the source of all blessing and influence over others. Indeed, we may go as far as to say that the springs of all revival, indi vidual and collective, are to be found in the silent places of life. It is not without point that the Day of Pentecost came after ten days of waiting on God. Our Lord has His times of quiet for meditation and prayer, and it is striking that in the busy life recorded in Mark's Gospel, there are no less than ten occasions on which He went aside for communion with His Father. The same is true of the Apostles in their life, for in proportion as they went alone with God they came forth with renewed vigor and power. The reason why our lives are so superficial is that we are not enough alone with God. Tennyson says that "Solitude is the mother-country of the strong" and we shall never be "strong in the Lord," if we do not take time, and even make time, to go apart with Him in medi tation upon His word. The little boy unconsciously explained the secret of his father's power, when he told someone that "Daddy always talks with God in the draw ing-room before breakfast." This is what the Psalmist meant when he said, "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Psalm 37:31). Divine Instructor, gracious Lord, • Be Thou forever near; Teach me to love Thy sacred Word, And view my Saviour here.
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