“I will . . .” The Psalms

I love the old psalmists because they understood so well the force and value of resolute purpose in the matters of the soul.

“I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings!” they would say (Psalm 61:4). It is a word for me when I am halting still between two opinions.

“I will love You, O Lord my Strength!” they would also say (Psalm 18:1). It is a word for me, when my heart is languishing and growing cold. Too often I acquiesce in the coldness and languor, as though they were inevitable. But I must bestir myself. I must dwell on the thousand reasons I have for loving God. I must do my utmost to rekindle the flickering flame.

“I will rejoice in the Lord!” they would say again (Psalm 104:34). It is a word for me if I have lost my joy and peace. I forget that often grief and gloom are sins which I must strive against. I must stay my soul on . . .
the faithfulness of the Father,
and the grace of the Son,
and the comforts of the Holy Spirit
— until sorrow and sighing flee away!

On the American prairies the butterflies start westward in their migrations, and make steady progress, though the wind is against them and the sea in front. The delicate butterflies rebuke me. I must infuse a more resolute purpose and a more vigorous decision into my religion. I must learn to say:
I will trust,
I will love,
I will rejoice and be glad!