xxx. 15. _In quietness and in confidence shall be your
strength._
The principle of our text is, that "strength," safety, success,
happiness, is the fruit of self-control and of reliance upon God.
I. It requires little observation to perceive that this is so in
outward things (Eccles. ii. 11). Look out upon life, and see who, in
the long run, are the most successful. Is it the stirring and
excitable, those who are most conspicuous in its busy competitions?
No: it is for the most part the tranquil and retiring; those who make
no display, and have the least reliance upon their own powers. The
surest gains and the most certain advancement usually attend those
who go on quietly and steadily, without grasping at what is beyond
their reach, or wasting their energies in unnecessary exertion. The
godly who, when they cannot engage on fair terms in the rivalry of
the world, keep aloof from it, preserving peace with men, and
exercising faith in God, are provided for, and not unfrequently even
raised to conspicuous prosperity. In "quietness and confidence" in
God's providential care "is their strength."
II. Still more important is the application of this sacred principle
to what goes on in the Christian's soul. We can further the great
work of our sanctification only by acting upon it. Excitement and
self-dependence can do nothing. The work which has been begun by
Divine mercy must be carried out by Divine agency. We are to take
heed not to throw any obstacles in the way by our rashness or
despondency. If under a feeling of importance of the work we have to
do, we act about doing it _in any way of our own,_ we only invite
disappointment, and peril the object we have in view. Only in a
dutiful and patient waiting upon God can we obtain a blessing. Not
all the will-worship which was ever contrived by human ingenuity can
bring us nearer heaven.
III. These words should be our guide in every difficulty and
emergency of the spiritual life. They bid us give place to no anxiety
or alarm. Those who act upon them cannot be fanatics, nor will they
despair. They will not seek what God sees fit to deny, nor even to
attain to what is excellent by equivocal means. No real strength is
to be got by ferment and agitation. We may not do evil that good may
come; we may not distrust God's power and willingness to help us; we
may not seek help from Egypt.
IV. These words should be our guide in view of the changes and
excitements of our times. Because of them many are filled with
unreasonable fears. But are we to lose our patience and steadfastness
because irreligious speculators and worldly religionists are in an
uproar? No; let them follow their own course; let us act upon the
principle of our text. Truth is safe; the Church is founded upon a
Rock; nothing can harm it, _but our attempting to defend it with
carnal weapons._ Our weapons are the Word of God and prayer. In the
use even of _them,_ we must take heed what spirit we are of, that we
use them not in a worldly or angry spirit. Let God do His own work.
Let us not venture to step beyond ours. It is not our work to keep
the world in order. With the eye of our faith fixed upon Him who with
unerring wisdom and omnipotent might controls all the changes and
developments of human affairs, let us quietly pursue the duties which
He has assigned us, and we shall be safe, and strong, and
blessed.--_J. G. Dowling, M.A.: Sermons,_ pp. 55-75.