Psalm 119 (67 of 190 notes)

59. While studying the Word he was led to study his own life, and this caused a mighty revolution. Consideration is the commencement of conversion: first we think and then we turn. There will be no repenting until there is deep, earnest thought. Many people are averse to thought of any kind, and as to thought upon their ways, they cannot endure it, for their ways will not bear thinking of. David’s ways had not been all that he could have wished them to be, but he did not end with idle lamentations, he set about a practical amendment; he turned and returned; he sought the testimonies of the Lord, and hastened to enjoy once more the conscious favor of his heavenly Friend. Action without thought is folly, and thought without action is sloth. He had intreated for renewed fellowship, and now he proved the genuineness of his desire by renewed obedience. If we are in the dark, and mourn an absent God, our wisest method will be not so much to think upon our sorrows as upon our ways: though we cannot turn the course of providence, we can turn the way of our walking, and this will soon mend matters. If we can get our feet right as to holy walking, we shall soon get our hearts right as to happy living. God will turn to his saints when they turn to him; he has already favored them with the light of his face when they begin to think and turn.