July 16

Morning

They gathered manna every morning. — Exod 16:21

Labor to maintain a sense of your entire dependence upon the Lord’s good will and pleasure, for the continuance of your richest enjoyments. Never try to live on the old manna, nor seek to find help in Egypt. All must come from Jesus, or you are undone forever. Old anointings will not suffice to impart unction to your spirit; your head must have fresh oil poured upon it from the golden horn of the sanctuary, or it will cease from its glory.

Today you may be upon the summit of the mount of God but He who has put you there—must keep you there, or you will sink far more speedily than you dream. Your mountain only stands firm when He settles it in its place; if He hides His face, you will soon be troubled. If the Savior should see fit, there is not a window through which you see the light of heaven, which He could not darken in an instant. Joshua bade the sun stand still but Jesus can shroud it in total darkness. He can withdraw the joy of your heart, the light of your eyes, and the strength of your life. In His hand your comforts lie and at His will they can depart from you.

Our Lord is determined that we shall feel and recognize this hourly dependence, for He only permits us to pray for “daily bread,” and only promises that “as our days—so our strength shall be.” Is it not best for us that it should be so, that we may often repair to His throne, and constantly be reminded of His love? Oh! how rich the grace which supplies us so continually, and does not refrain itself because of our ingratitude! The golden shower never ceases, the cloud of blessing tarries evermore above our habitation. O Lord Jesus, we would bow at Your feet, conscious of our utter inability to do anything without You; and in every favor which we are privileged to receive—we would adore Your blessed name, and acknowledge Your inexhaustible love!

Evening

Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come. For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. — Ps 102:13-14

A selfish man in trouble is exceedingly hard to comfort, because the springs of his comfort are entirely within himself; and when he is sad all his springs are dry. But a large-hearted man full of Christian philanthropy, has other springs from which to supply himself with comfort, beside those which lie within. He can go to his God first of all, and there find abundant help; and he can discover arguments for consolation in things relating to the world at large, to his country, and, above all, to the church.

David in this Psalm, was exceedingly sorrowful; he wrote, “I am like an owl in the desert, like a lonely owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.” The only way in which he could comfort himself, was in the reflection that God would arise, and have mercy upon Zion; though he was sad—yet Zion should prosper; however low his own estate—yet Zion should arise.

Christian man! learn to comfort yourself in God’s gracious dealing towards the church. That which is so dear to your Master, should it not be dear above all else to you? What though your way is dark—can you not gladden your heart with the triumphs of His cross, and the spread of His truth? Our own personal troubles are forgotten while we look, not only upon what God has done, and is doing for Zion but on the glorious things He will yet do for His church.

Try this formula, O believer, whenever you are sad of heart and in heaviness of spirit—forget yourself and your little concerns, and seek the welfare and prosperity of Zion. When you bend your knee in prayer to God, limit not your petition to the narrow circle of your own life, tried though it is but send out your longing prayers for the church’s prosperity, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” and your own soul shall be refreshed!