No matter how difficult your situation is at this moment, remember that God, who loved you at your worst, loves you still. If you are on top of the world at this moment, remember that God is God and you are not your own. No amount of success can replace what God alone offers us. I am reminded again today that those of us who seem to have it so together are only a step or decision away from bringing chaos into our lives. And I am reminded today that God is nearer than a step away and longs for us to turn to Him in our troubles. If your soul is downcast today, put your hope and your trust in Him. In Him your failures, your pain, your doubt, and fears are all overcome. Enjoy the read below.Bruce SmithOptimuslife.org IT WAS I WHO KNEW YOU IN THE WILDERNESS, IN THE LAND OF DROUGHT.Hosea 13:5Yes, Lord, You did indeed know me in my fallen state, and You did even then choose me for Yourself. When I was loathsome and self-abhorred, You received me as Your child, and You satisfied my longings. Blessed forever be Your name for this free, rich, abounding mercy. Since then, my inward experience has often been a wilderness; but You have kept me still as Your beloved and poured streams of love and grace into me to gladden me and make me fruitful. When my outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have wandered in a land of drought, Your sweet presence has comforted me. Men have ignored me, and I have been scorned; but You have known my soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the luster of Your love. Most gracious Lord, I magnify You for all Your faithfulness to me in trying circumstances, and I deplore the fact that I have at times forgotten You and been proud of heart when I have owed everything to Your gentleness and love. Have mercy upon Your servant in this matter!My soul, if Jesus acknowledged you in your lowly condition, be sure that you own both Himself and His cause now that you are in prosperity. Do not be puffed up by worldly successes, and do not be ashamed of the truth or of the poor church with which you have been associated. Follow Jesus into the wilderness: Bear the cross with Him when the persecution heats up. He owned you, O my soul, in your poverty and shame-never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of Him. Let me know more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved! Jesus, my soul cleaves to You.I’ll turn to Thee in days of light,As well as nights of care,Thou brightest amid all that’s bright!Thou fairest of the fair!
Below, is a reading from Alistair Begg of Truth for Daily Life. It is a reworking of Spurgeon’s origninal devotional material and is worth the read. It is a reminder that amidst our brightest days and our darkest nights, it is the grace of God, and that alone, which sustains us.