MEDITATION

In the words of our text we find that David remembers also the young men in this psalm. Having been a young man himself he has not forgotten about the days of his youth. Oh, that many young men would be as David in his youth. He says in Psalm 71, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.” And was it not the ardent breathing of his soul, so wonderfully expressed in the 27th Psalm, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.”

O that many young men might read this and receive the same holy desire in their heart, even exclaiming with this man of God, “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10.

Here David asks an important question and gives a very good answer to it himself. He mentions the way of a young man. We have all left the right and holy way in a fallen Adam in paradise. All have committed two evils. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Oh, how necessary it is to have a change of heart, way and life, as we find illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son, Luke 15.

David knows that young men, being strong and healthy, usually have a great desire to enjoy the world with its pleasures, and thus usually are very liable to sins and snares, to carnal lusts and sensual pleasures, which are of a defiling nature. But let us hear what a solemn exhortation has been written by the wise king Solomon in this respect, Eccl. 11:9,10: “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.”

How worldly and unholy is the way of many a young son or daughter! How unconcerned about God and the Savior, Christ Jesus, about death and eternity! How careless and indifferent about the most important matter!

Other young people may be more conscientious, modest, and religiously inclined; but being in their natural state they are yet on the unholy way, in bondage, and in danger that this their way shall end in hell.

The young man’s way, as the way of all others yet dead in sin and trespasses, must be changed, must be cleansed of all that we have mentioned and much more. The heart must be renewed and sanctified, the dangerous road to hell forsaken, and the sinner led upon Zion’s way — the heavenly and everlasting way.

Consider the great example of Moses, of whom Paul says: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11:24–26.

Young daughter, we would also point out to you the shining instance of Ruth the Maobitess, how she was cleansed from her evil ways; how she then left her native land and ways very willingly, and being bound to the holy and everlasting way, unto Israel’s God and His people, exclaimed: “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” What a wonder of sovereign grace!

But let us now consider the answer that David has given to his question. His answer is: “By taking heed thereto according to Thy word.”

O blessed word of God, which in the hand of the Holy Spirit is of a convicting, cleansing, and healing power. That word of the holy God is truly a spiritual eye - opener. When that word is brought with power to the soul then the sinner will loathe himself, his thoughts, words, and ways, and will cry out in soul-trouble and sin-trouble, “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. “His prayer will become,

“Wash me, make me pure within;
Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.”

Let me quote what a good writer and preacher has said about David’s answer: “The answer is, by taking heed thereto according to Thy word that is, to his way and course of life, and steering it according to the direction of the word of God. But I think the words may be better rendered and supplied thus, by observing what is according to Thy word; which shows how a sinner is to be cleansed from his sins by the blood of Christ, and justified by His righteousness, and be clean through His word; and also how and by whom the work of sanctification is wrought in the heart, even by the Spirit of God, by means of the word; and what is the rule of a mans walk and conversation. He will find the word of God to be profitable, to inform in the doctrines of justification and pardon, to acquaint him with the nature of regeneration and sanctification; and for the correction and amendment of his life and manners, and for his instruction in every branch of righteousness, 2 Tim. 3:16: ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.’ “

The words of the text are this time especially directed to young people. Good words of instruction have been placed before you. Oh, do hearken to the words of the great Teacher and Prophet, Christ Jesus. May your daily prayer be, “Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me.” — Ps. 25:4,5. In His precious word the Lord also calls to you with these good words of admonition: “My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” — Prov. 3:1,2. And then He also gives us these words of warning: “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked.” — Ps. 32:9,10.

Oh, that many young people might yet come to repentance and conversion in our dark times in this deeply sunken world, their guilty soul begging for sovereign grace, and by faith learning to flee to Christ Jesus for salvation. When once a certain young soldier in the depth of his soul miseries heard the blessed heavenly voice, that Christ Jesus came into the world to seek and to save sinners, it was of such great comfort and joy to him. May you also learn to know this joyful gospel sound.

Our prayer is:

“Let Thy servants see Thy power,
Let their children learn Thy praise.
On us let the grace and beauty
Of the Lord our God remain,
Strengthen us for noble duty
That our work be not in vain.”

—Psalm 90

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