The Conditions Of Serenity

If  I would be like the Psalmist, I must clearly recognize my perils. He sees the “waters,” the “proud waters.” He beholds the “enemy,” and his “wrath,” and his “teeth.” He sees “the fowler” with his snare! 

I must not shut my eyes, and “make my judgment blind.” 

One of the gifts of grace is the spirit of discernment, the eyes which not only detect hidden treasure, but hidden foes. 

The devil is an expert in mimicry; he can make himself look like an angel of light.

And so must I be able to discover his snares, even when they appear as the most seductive food.

And if I would be like the Psalmist, I must clearly recognize my great Ally. 

If it has not been the Lord, who was on our side! To see the Ally on the perilous field, and to see Him on my side, gives birth to holy confidence and song. 

The Lord is on my side, whom shall I fear?” I must make sure of the Ally, and “victory is secure.”

And if I would be like the Psalmist, I must not omit the doxology of praise.  

When the prayer is answered, I am apt to forget the praise. My thanksgivings are not so ready as my requests.

And so the apparently conquered enemy steals in again at the door of an ungrateful heart.

~John Henry Jowett~