Morning & Evening: Morning Devo, Aug. 11th

Sunday, August 11, 2024

"Oh that I were as in months past."
— Job 29:2

Morning Thought

Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; he must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of his presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell him your sad state. Ask his grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with him; humble yourself before him, and he will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of his countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 11, 2024

Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Keep us from paying attention to seducing spirits or doctrines of demons. Don't let the pretensions of those whose consciences are..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[Jesus continued,] "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.""
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!...."

Illustration

Illustration of Job 29:2 — "Oh that I were as in months past."

About This Devotional

'Morning and Evening' is the classic daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.

Written by Charles H. Spurgeon.