March 14, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"I will take heed to my ways." — Psalm 39:1 · KJV

Fellow-pilgrim, do not say in your heart, "I will go here and there, and I shall not sin," for you are never so far out of danger of sinning as to boast of security. The road is very miry; it will be hard to pick your path so as not to soil your garments. This is a world of pitch; you will need to watch often if, in handling it, you are to keep your hands clean. There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of your jewels; there is a temptation in every mercy, a snare in every joy; and if you ever reach heaven, it will be a miracle of divine grace, to be ascribed entirely to your Father's power. Be on your guard. When a man carries a bombshell in his hand, he should take care not to go near a candle; and you too must take care that you enter not into temptation. Even your common actions are edged tools; you must mind how you handle them. There is nothing in this world to foster a Christian's piety, but everything to destroy it. How anxious you should be to look up to God, that He may keep you! Your prayer should be, "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe." Having prayed, you must also watch, guarding every thought, word, and action with holy jealousy. Do not expose yourself needlessly; but if you are called to exposure — if you are bidden to go where the darts are flying — never venture forth without your shield, for if once the devil finds you without your buckler, he will rejoice that his hour of triumph has come, and will soon make you fall, wounded by his arrows. Slain you cannot be, but wounded you may be. Be sober, be vigilant; danger may lie in the hour when all seems most secure. Therefore take heed to your ways, and watch unto prayer. No man ever fell into error through being too watchful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways, and so shall they always please the Lord.