Psalms 22:29

None can keep alive his own soul.

Life’s need and maintenance

Begin by noting the connection; then take text in a spiritual meaning.

I. The inner life must be sustained by God. None of us can make his own soul live, nor can we keep it alive. Old Christians cannot, more than young ones. At no time or place, however sacred, can we do this. The analogies of nature, which show that repeated, continued help must be given, tell us of our constant need of fresh grace. Experience asserts the same. In each separate act of the Divine life we need help. Our own blunderings and failings when we have not sought renewed help teach the same lesson. The number and strength of our adversaries teach it. If we could, why is such full provision made in the Gospel?

II. This truth brings glory to Christ.

III. Suggests the path of wisdom for ourselves. We are to remember that we want not only grace to begin with, but grace to abide in Christ. Diligently use all means of grace. Keep clear of all that which tends to destroy life. A sane man does not willingly take poison. Look to Christ day by day for everything. Do not become self-satisfied. Never say, “Soul, take thine ease,”--to say that is to be a fool, as was the rich man who first said it. “Day by day go to Christ.

IV. This subject indicates a way of usefulness for all God’s children. It is a grand thing to be blessed of God, to turn sinners from the error of their ways; but there is equally good work to be done by helping struggling saints. The old Roman said he thought it as much an honour to preserve a Roman citizen as to slay an enemy of his country. Let us watch over one another; be pastors to one another. Help one another. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

Spiritual life not self-preserved

Go, young man, even you who are a zealous Christian, go without your morning prayer into the house of business, and see what will befall you. Venture, my sister, down into your little family without having called upon God for guidance, and see what you will do. Go with a strong resolve that yon will never be guilty of the weakness which dishonoured you a few days ago, and depend upon the strength of your own will and the firmness of your own purpose, and see if you do not ere long discover to your shame how great your weakness is. Nay, try none of these experiments, but listen to the Word which tells you “none can keep alive his own soul.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)