FOR I HAVE LEARNED BY EXPERIENCE.

 

EVENING DEVOTIONS by James Smith

JANUARY 26

 

 Genesis 30:27

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found

favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience

that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. -

 
So said Laban in reference to the benefit he derived from Jacob’s services, and so may the Christian say in reference to the effects of divine teaching.
 
Experience is knowledge derived from trial, and this we learn the truth and value of real religion; 

the importance and dignity of the holy Scriptures; 

the true state and condition of human nature; 

the character and suitableness of the Saviour; 

the need and nature of the operations of the Holy Spirit;

 the malice and cunning of Satan; 

and the power and efficacy of believing prayer;

 the beneficial tendency of afflictive dispensations; 

the emptiness and vanity of the present world; 

and the love and faithfulness of a covenant God.
 
No knowledge is like that which is gained by experience; it is far preferable to what we gain from report, or reading, or mere opinion; it is above every other kind of knowledge in point of certainty,-in its tendency to usefulness,-and in its power to establish the mind.
 
Young people should be modest, they know but little from experience yet.
 
Established Christians should communicate the results of their experience to others, nothing is more likely to be useful.
 
 

Teacher divine! instruct me still

To know, to love, to do thy will;

And let me by experience prove

Thy sanctifying power and love.

 
 
James Smith