August 11

Morning

How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, — Job 29:2 BSB

Many Christians look back on the past with joy but view the present with disappointment. They remember the days when they walked closely with the Lord as their sweetest, most blessed times. But now, their present seems wrapped in gloom. They once felt near to Jesus, but now they feel distant, saying, "Oh, that I were as I was in months past!" They lament that they’ve lost their assurance, that they no longer have peace of mind, or that they find no delight in prayer, Scripture, or worship. Their conscience feels less sensitive, and their zeal for God’s glory has faded.

The causes of this sadness are many. It could be the result of neglecting prayer because forsaking the prayer closet is the start of all spiritual decline. Or perhaps their heart has been occupied with something other than God, turning their affections to the things of this world rather than the things of heaven. God, who is jealous for His people, will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved above all. When He is not, He withdraws the light of His presence from the wandering heart. The problem may also be self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride creeps in, and instead of remaining humble at the foot of the cross, self-exaltation takes over.

Christian, if you are not now as close to Jesus as you were in times past, don’t just wish for those days to return—go to your Savior now and confess your sorrow. Ask for His grace and strength to walk closely with Him again. Humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, restoring to you the joy of His presence. Don’t remain in a state of sadness and regret. As long as the Great Physician lives, there is hope—and more than hope, there is certainty that even the most troubled heart can be healed!

Evening

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, — 2 Thess 2:16 BSB

"Consolation." What sweet music is in that word! Like David’s harp, it drives away the dark spirits of melancholy. Barnabas was honored to be called "the son of consolation," but even greater is our Lord Jesus, who is "the consolation of Israel."

And here is the best part: "everlasting consolation." The endlessness of this comfort is its crown and glory. What is this everlasting consolation? It includes the knowledge of sins forgiven. A Christian knows in his heart that his sins have been blotted out like a cloud, and his transgressions like a thick fog. If your sins are forgiven, is that not an everlasting comfort?

But it doesn’t stop there. God gives His people an abiding sense of being accepted in Christ. The believer knows that God sees him united with Jesus. This union with the risen Lord provides a comfort that is unshakable and eternal. Whether in health or sickness, believers have often found themselves as happy in times of illness as they would be in times of full strength. When death approaches, this comfort does not die. How many times have we heard the joyful songs of saints who, even on their deathbeds, have rejoiced in the living love of God shed abroad in their hearts? Yes, knowing we are accepted in Christ is truly an everlasting consolation.

Further still, the Christian has the assurance of his security in Christ. God has promised to save those who trust in Him, and the Christian does trust. Therefore, he knows God will be faithful to His Word and save him. The believer is secure, bound up in Christ’s perfect work. What greater consolation could there be?