Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: April 29th

Then I saw and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.- Proverbs 24:32.

Observation is the life of understanding. Experience is the joy of faith. Learning good from others’ harms is true wisdom. Can we look around us among the circle of our professing acquaintance, and not see the awful effects of slothfulness in the ways of God? What supine indolence to the cause of Jesus, and careless indifference as to the health and prosperity of the soul, do we behold! A very affecting description of this the Spirit of wisdom here presents to our view: "I went by the field of the slothful," (the once seemingly growing and shining professor) "and lo, it was all grown over with thorns," (the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, has choked the word, Matthew 13:22.) "and nettles has covered the face thereof;" (the rank weeds of corrupt lusts, sensual gratifications, carnal pleasures and delights overspread the life and conduct); "the stone wall of the vineyard is broken down;" (the soul lying open and unfenced against the incursion of the beasts of prey, Satan, the men of this world, carnal company; senseless of its danger, and slothful to all means of deliverance, the poor soul composes itself with) "yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Is not this a striking, though awful likeness? Do we not almost daily behold its original? How melancholy the sight! how alarming the conduct! how dreadful the sentence! "So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth (with speed); and thy want as an armed man," (being without power thou canst not withstand it). See this, O soul! remember thy calling is to diligence. "Consider it well," (what sad effects spiritual sloth produce!) "Look upon it," (as a frame and temper of soul to be constantly dreaded, and earnestly prayed against); "receive instruction:" "For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning." To what end? To shew what has happened to others, "are ensamples to us, and for our admonition; upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."- 1 Corinthians 10:11-12. The apostle speaks of "things that accompany salvation."- Hebrews 6:9. Diligence in the ways of God is one of these things; without this we cannot enjoy the full assurance of hope, that we are "followers of them who, through faith and patience, do now inherit the promises."

I love the volumes of thy word;

What light and joy these leaves afford

To souls benighted and distrest!

Thy precepts guide my doubtful way,

Thy fear forbids my feet to stray,

Thy promise leads my heart to rest.

Thy threat’nings wake my slumb’ring eyes,

And warn me where my danger lies:

But ’tis thy blessed gospel, Lord,

That makes my guilty conscience clean,

Converts my soul, subdues my sin,

And gives a free but large reward.

Believe in the LORD your GOD, so shall ye be established: believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 2 Chronicles 20:20.

Such was the advice of good old Jehosaphat, in a time of invasion by a powerful army. Precious words! at all times seasonable. What can a child of God desire on this side glory, so much as establishment of mind and prosperity of soul? Both are obtained by faith. As the mind is established, so the soul prospers. (1st.) What is implied in being established? It is to be fixed and settled in the confidence of our mind, and not to halt between two opinions, as those of old did, between God and an idol. (1 Kings 18:21.) To halt, is to be lame on both sides. Thus, their minds were in suspense, agitated between two objects, and not steadily fixed upon either. So many sincere souls are tossed to and fro, by every wind of doctrine. They are like children, not steadily fixed in their judgment, nor settled in their confidence in the Lord: yet they delight to hear the truths of God. In hearing, their souls are refreshed: but when hearing is over, their minds are shaken; their doubts and fears again return. O! see and rejoice; for, (2d.) the Lord himself is set forth as the object of our faith. Believe or trust in the Lord your God. Nothing can establish the soul but faith. Lord, increase our faith. And to prayer, we should add earnest diligence in searching the Scriptures, considering the freeness, fulness, and suitableness of the promises of the Lord to us. To believe IN the Lord, is to trust in, and repose our minds upon his covenant grace and love in Christ Jesus; to take him, as he has revealed himself, as our God just as little children do by their fathers. Their minds have no doubt of their father’s love to them. When they want any thing, they ask for it: when in sorrow, they tell him of it. And yet, what parent on earth has such a heart of love to his children, as our heavenly Father has to us? Did any one ever so freely, fully, and affectionately manifest it? Be ashamed of your unbelief, which keeps your souls from being established in his grace and truth. “It is a good thing, that the heart be established with grace.” (Hebrews 13:9.) Do we desire it, that our souls may prosper? Then, “believe his prophets.” They testify of God the Father’s love; of God the Son’s salvation; and of peace and joy in God the Holy Ghost. Hear them, and your soul shall be established in grace: believe them, and your soul shall prosper in comfort.

How oft do fears beset my heart,

That I shall surely fall

A prey to Satan’s deadly art,

And lose my Christ-my all!

Establish, Lord, my heart in faith,

Firm in thy truth to stand;

Daily to live on what thou saith,

While in this barren land.