Note here, reader, the many and glorious actionable promises of the Holy One: to prepare the way and remove all obstructions; to dwell with and revive the lowly of spirit and heart; to heal, lead, and restore comfort; to create praise and bring peace. Note also the sole action of sinful man: "...he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart" (v. 17).
As the moon reflects the light of the sun, so any light we shine into this world is borrowed. Were the Lord to withdraw His presence from our lives, were He to turn away His radiant face, if He were to remove His guiding hand then there is no dark abyss to which we could not fall, no depth of depravity exempt to us. The way of our own hearts, apart from God's sanctifying work therein, is a way of utter destruction. It is the height of foolishness and pride to think we have anything to offer the Lord that He Himself has not already put in us!
Do you desire God? He has given you that desire. Do you treasure His Word? He has made it so. Do you walk in the way of the righteous? He guides your very steps. Do you pursue Him in prayer and in the fellowship of believers? He turns your heart to seek Him and find Him. Let us remember that God does not share His glory with another (Isa. 42:8), and that He leads the righteous for the sake of His name alone (Isa. 48:11).
Should the truth of our weakness discourage us, then the strength of our pride has been exposed, and our desire for independence brought square with the One on whom we depend for our very breath! Mark this: the nearer we draw to God's presence, the deeper we delve into His law, the more we shall feel and know our sin. But praise be to God—sin has not the last word! For the Lord has seen our ways, and He has promised to heal us (v. 18).
No matter how dark the night of the soul, the light of Jesus' grace shines brighter! No matter the chaos sin has wrought in our lives, God sees the way through! And no matter how far we have fallen, Christ Himself descended to the very depths of the grave to secure the victory (Eph. 4:9–10)! Naught shall wrest God's chosen ones from His holy hand (Rom. 8:38–39).
At the cross of Christ every obstacle is removed, every hindrance cast off. At the cross of Christ the veil is torn, and God's dwelling built in the hearts of believers. At the cross of Christ God's justice was satisfied, and His salvation made sure. But most of all, at the cross of Christ God's greatest praise is authored—He has brought peace to those both near and far. He saves, and He alone!