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\ / Charles Spurgeon's MORNING & EVENING
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
MORNING:
"Help, Lord."
-- Psalms 12:1
The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable,
sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men,
and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication-when the creature
failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or
he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended
honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word "help"
is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of
directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in
this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long
rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs
straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows
what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the
same blessed manner.
The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential
afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers
failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid
by lifting up this cry of "Help, Lord," to the Holy Spirit, the great
Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne
for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers
in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking
sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty
supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will
serve the turn of needy souls. "Help, Lord," will suit us living and
dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In him our help
is found, let us not be slack to cry to him.
The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through
Jesus. The Lord's character assures us that he will not leave his
people; his relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us his aid;
his gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and his sure promise
stands, "Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE."
EVENING:
"Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto
it."
-- Numbers 21:17
Famous was the well of Beer in the wilderness, because it was the
subject of a promise: "That is the well whereof the Lord spake unto
Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water." The
people needed water, and it was promised by their gracious God. We need
fresh supplies of heavenly grace, and in the covenant the Lord has
pledged himself to give all we require. The well next became the cause
of a song. Before the water gushed forth, cheerful faith prompted the
people to sing; and as they saw the crystal fount bubbling up, the
music grew yet more joyous. In like manner, we who believe the promise
of God should rejoice in the prospect of divine revivals in our souls,
and as we experience them our holy joy should overflow. Are we
thirsting? Let us not murmur, but sing. Spiritual thirst is bitter to
bear, but we need not bear it-the promise indicates a well; let us be
of good heart, and look for it. Moreover, the well was the centre of
prayer. "Spring up, O well." What God has engaged to give, we must
enquire after, or we manifest that we have neither desire nor faith.
This evening let us ask that the Scripture we have read, and our
devotional exercises, may not be an empty formality, but a channel of
grace to our souls. O that God the Holy Spirit would work in us with
all his mighty power, filling us with all the fulness of God. Lastly,
the well was the object of effort. "The nobles of the people digged it
with their staves." The Lord would have us active in obtaining grace.
Our staves are ill adapted for digging in the sand, but we must use
them to the utmost of our ability. Prayer must not be neglected; the
assembling of ourselves together must not be forsaken; ordinances must
not be slighted. The Lord will give us his peace most plenteously, but
not in a way of idleness. Let us, then, bestir ourselves to seek him in
whom are all our fresh springs.
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MORNING & EVENING from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
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Morning & Evening is the classic devotional by 19th-century writer
and preacher Charles Spurgeon. It's part of HEARTLIGHT Magazine,
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