November 13

He shall choose our inheritance for us. - Psalms 47:4.

LET us inquire, To what does this sentiment refer,-“Our inheritance”? Now, Canaan was the inheritance of the Jews: God chose this for them as their inheritance. Each of them could say, “The lines are fallen to us in pleasant places; yea, we have a goodly heritage.” For it was “the glory of all lands,” and “flowed with milk and honey.” The Christian has “another and a better country,” “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” for him; and this inheritance God has chosen for him, and he cannot be satisfied without the possession of it. “As for me,” says he, with David, “I will behold thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.” But the sentiment refers to time rather than eternity, and to God’s choice in the regulation of our allotments on earth. Thus, therefore, the Christian can say, He shall choose my inheritance for me.

First, As to residence. He shall determine the bounds of my habitation, and the place of my abode, or the change of situation contrary to a fixed abode. These changes may be trying, but I know not what effects “with regard to myself or others” may result from them. Secondly, As to occupation. He shall determine the nature of my profession and calling. Thirdly, As to condition. He shall determine whether I shall serve him individually or relatively; whether I shall preside over a family or be written childless in the earth; whether I shall have friends, or whether I shall feel the want of them. Fourthly, As to health. He shall determine whether I am to serve him actively or passively, whether my strength shall be equal to my day and to my labour, and my hands be sufficient for me, or whether I shall be “made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights appointed to me.” Fifthly, As to life itself. He shall determine how long or how short shall be its continuance; and the time, place, mode, and means of my removal I leave with Him in whose hands my breath is, and “whose are all my ways.”

Thus, as to all my interest, all that alarms my fears, all that excites my hopes, all that engages my expectations in the world, I commit to him, in compliance with his merciful commands and injunctions:-“Cast thy burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain thee;” Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass; “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”

“My cares, I give you to the wind,

And cast you off like dust;

Well may we trust our all with him

With whom our souls we trust.”