DOWN by the old bridge is the well-beaten path where faithful Ned has been led many times to get his refreshing drink from the clear, sparkling stream. But today not only does David take the faithful horse, but little brother and sister, too, ride on his back, and they are so delighted to get the ride. They do not think of the need for Ned to get his thirst quenched at the close of the day’s work. David thinks of his needs, and that is why he takes him to water several times a day.
What a picture this presents to us of all the pleasures this world gives. There is apparent satisfaction for a time, but soon the thirst is there again, and the longing to get something more—never satisfied.
Solomon—the man of great wisdom and wealth—tried all that was under the sun, and found nothing here that could satisfy, and he had to say, “All is vanity.”
But there can be satisfaction, peace and joy in the heart of everyone who puts his trust in the Lord Jesus.
Peace, for those who know that Jesus died for them, and there is no judgment for them. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24).)
Joy, for those who have the Lord as their portion, and the Scripture says: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say rejoice.” (Phil. 4:44Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4).) “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Pet. 1:88Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8).)
O, dear children, the only real satisfaction, peace and joy, that can be had is in knowing Jesus as your Saviour, and having Him as the food for your souls. There is no rest apart from Him.
ML 09/03/1916