Steering Through the Dangerous Sea of Life

The following excerpt from Arthur W. Pink's "The Attributes of God" was taken from Grace Gems - Friday, June 20th, 2008. It's well worth taking time to read and apply.


An Unerring Chart By Which to Steer Through the Dangerous Sea of Life

God has placed His Word in our hands for an intensely practical purpose -- namely, to direct our walk and to regulate our deportment. The primary purpose for which God gave the Scriptures, is to make a practical use of them -- ordering the details of our lives by its rules and regulations "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105). The metaphor used here is taken from a man walking along a dangerous road on a dark night, in urgent need of a lantern to show him where to walk safely and comfortably, to avoid injury and destruction. God, in His infinite condescension and transcendent grace, has given us His Word for this very purpose, so that we need not stumble along blindly, ignorant of what pleases or displeases Him -- but that we might know His mind. That divine Word is not given to us simply for information, but . . . to regulate our conduct, to enlighten our minds, and to mold our hearts. The Word supplies us with an unerring chart by which to steer through the dangerous sea of life. If we sincerely and diligently follow, it will deliver us from disastrous rocks and submerged reefs -- and direct us safely to the heavenly harbor. That Word has all the instructions we need for every problem, and every trouble we may be called upon to face. That Word has been given to us "that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:17). How thankful we should be, that God has favored us with such a Word! This world is a dark place, and it is only as we take heed to the Word, to the light God has given us, that we shall be able to perceive and avoid "the broad road which leads to destruction," and discern the narrow way which alone "leads unto eternal life." Our first duty, and our first aim, must be to take up the Scriptures to ascertain what is God's revealed will for us -- what are the paths He forbids us to walk, what are the ways pleasing in His sight. The Scriptures are not given us, primarily, for our intellectual gratification, nor for emotional admiration, but for life's regulation. Nor are the precepts and commands, the warnings and encouragements contained therein, simply for our information. They are to be reduced to practice, they require unqualified obedience. He who treasures the divine precepts in his heart, and diligently seeks to walk by their rule, will escape those evils which destroy his fellows. Thus the great business of the Christian, is to regulate his life by, and conform his conduct -- to the precepts of the written Word, and the example left us by the Incarnate Word. As he does so, and in proportion as he does so, he is emancipated from the darkness of his natural mind, freed from the follies of his corrupt heart, delivered from the mad course of this world, and escapes the snares of the devil.

(Arthur W. Pink - "The Attributes of God")

Poetry of Martha Snell Nicholson

Last week I did the eulogy at the funeral of a very close friend of mine. While in the composing process, I had an opportunity to raffle through some of the poetry I’ve been collecting down through the years and review several of the poems written by my favorite poet, Martha Snell Nicholson.

Margaret Snell Nicholson is one of my idols. She was a godly Christian woman, who knew what it meant to praise her Lord in the midst of physical and emotional suffering. For more than thirty-five years she endured almost constant pain, increasing weakness and helplessness from four incurable diseases that held her confined to her bed. In spite of her pain and suffering, Mrs. Nicholson did not give in to self-pity or dwell on her suffering, instead, she focused on her Savior. Thus, she grew strong in her faith and radiated beauty and cheerfulness to all who would come near her. She loved people and she loved and lived closely with the LORD. As a result, she wrote some of the most excellent Christian poetry which has ever been written. From seven volumes writing, Her precious verses bless all who reads them. Her words are filled with hope and inspiration and lift the soul, bringing great blessing. Each poem abounds with a beauty, truth, and thanksgiving which greatly exalts and honors the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Below are three of my favorite poems. I hope they mean as much to you as they have to me.

(a "mendicant" is a beggar)

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

--Martha Snell Nicholson



Treasures

One by one He took them from me,
All the things I valued most,
Until I was empty-handed;
Every glittering toy was lost.

And I walked earth's highways, grieving.
In my rags and poverty.
Till I heard His voice inviting,
"Lift your empty hands to Me!"

So I held my hands toward heaven,
And He filled them with a store
Of His own transcendent riches,
Till they could contain no more.

And at last I comprehended
With my stupid mind and dull,
That God COULD not pour His riches
Into hands already full!

--Martha Snell Nicholson



Guests

Pain knocked upon my door and said
That she had come to stay;
And though I would not welcome her
But bade her go away,
She entered in. Like my own shade
She followed after me,
And from her stabbing, stinging sword
No moment was I free.
And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is no room for more".
And then I heard His tender voice,
" 'Tis I, be not afraid".
And from the day He entered in --
The difference it made!
For though He did not bid her leave,
(My strange, unwelcome guest,)
He taught me how to live with her.
Oh, I had never guessed
That we could dwell so sweetly here,
My Lord and Pain and I,
Within this fragile house of clay
While years slip slowly by!

--Martha Snell Nicholson