Psalm 57:7-8 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.… Speak to those who have decided, but, who may be loosening their hold on God under the strain of life. No better description can be given of the influence of life on the Christian than this — it tends to loosen the bonds. They need to be constantly refixed. 1. Some disciples went back under the strain of Christ's higher teachings. 2. Some forsook under the strain of Christ's sufferings. 3. Some were hindered in running — "Ye did run well, who hath hindered you?" 4. Some were enticed by false doctrine. 5. Some were borne away by the love of the world. 6. Some are reproached for being neither cold nor hot.These old readings of Christian living suit us now. Then times of refixing ourselves are needed. What fixity should we try to reach? I. FIXITY MAY CONCERN THE INTELLECT. Show the importance of firm and ever-growing mental hold of truth and of God. Fixity for the intellect can only come with growth. II. FIXITY MAY CONCERN THE WILL. A power of resolve may shape a life. Illustrate by familiar tale in John Foster's "Essays," showing the power of decision. III. FIXITY SHOULD CONCERN THE HEART. "My heart is fixed, O God." The true life-force is from the heart,. Heart things are the lasting things. To the heart God appeals. The heart God wants. Intellectual fixity may not be possible. Will-fixity may depend very much on disposition. Heart-fixity tuiumphs over all externality. It concerns the principle and spirit of the life. Fixed everywhere and in everything for ,God. How broad, comprehensive, practical! (Robert Tuck, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.WEB: My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises. |
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