Salvation, Satisfaction, Safety

"Thou hast... girded me with gladness, to the end that my glory may... not be silent" (Psalm 3:11,12).  "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil" (Proverb 19:23).  "He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love" (Song of Solomon 2:4).  "As he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee" (Acts 24:25). 

We're girded with gladness God gave

To clothe us with bountiful favor

From Christ who is risen to save

All those who receive Him as Savior. 

Let souls yet in darkness draw near

Who search for the light that they need:

The onset of wisdom is fear

That humbles the hearts God will lead. 

The fear of the Lord leads to life

And satisfies spiritual thirst

Through Christ who has settled our strife

By dying for us who were cursed.

Now brought to His table to dine,

His banner of love is displayed.

We see there the bread and the wine,

Recalling the price that He paid. 

Like Paul, we are called now to reason

Of righteousness, wrath, and surrender,

That sinners may turn in due season

To Christ who would be their Defender.   

How many, like Felix, have trembled

In God's chosen moment sublime,

And then in their heart they dissembled;

"Convenient" was some OTHER time.

O Lord, we give thanks for salvation,

For spiritual thirst satisfied,

For safety by justification,

All blessings You bought when You died. 

Lord, help us to reach those who seek

Salvation and true satisfaction

With safety You give to the meek,

Escaping "convenient" distraction.