IN THY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL THEY BE EXALTED

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

AUGUST 16

 

Psalm 89:16

In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and

 in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

 
In whose righteousness?
 
In the righteousness of God, for we have none of our own righteousness.
 
He has provided for us, freely gives it to us, we receive it by faith.
 
Our religion is peculiar, for we are wise in the wisdom of another,
  even our Head—we are rich in the wealth of another,
  even our elder Brother—and we are righteous in the righteousness of our Saviour.
 
This magnifies the law—fills the soul with joy—and endures for ever.
 
In this righteousness we are exalted above the condemning power of the law
  —above the wicked designs of Satan
  —above the present evil world
  —and above the sting and power of death.
 
It exalts us to peace and friendship with God
  —to the adoption of children
  —to boldness and access with confidence into the presence of God
  —to sit in the heavenlies with Christ
  —and to endless glory.
 
It exalts our views of God’s character and perfections, and of Jesus in his person, work, and love.
 
Let us prize this righteousness, daily wear it, and plead it always for acceptance with God.
 
It is our wedding dress, our impenetrable shield, and our title to the heavenly mansions.
 

Let others in the gaudy dress

Of fancied merit shine;

The Lord shall be my righteousness,

The Lord for ever mine.

 
James Smith