December 27

Morning

Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? — Job 8:11 BSB

The reed is spongy and hollow, and so is the hypocrite; there is no substance or stability in him. Like a reed, which bends with every wind, formalists are swayed by every influence. Because of this, the reed isn’t broken by the storm, and likewise, hypocrites are often spared from the trials and persecution that test true faith.

I would not willingly deceive myself or others. Perhaps today’s text will help me examine my own heart to see if I am a hypocrite or not.

The reed lives in water by nature, depending on the mire and moisture in which it is rooted. If the mire dries up, the reed quickly withers. Its greenness depends entirely on its surroundings—a season of abundance makes it flourish, while a drought destroys it at once.

Is this true of me? Do I serve God only when I am in good company, or when being religious brings me respect and comfort? Do I love the Lord only when He blesses me with outward comforts? If so, I am a hypocrite, like the reed that withers when it’s cut off from the things it relies on. I will perish when death deprives me of worldly joys.

But can I honestly say that when material comforts are lacking, and my circumstances seem hostile to grace, I still hold fast to my integrity? If so, then I have reason to hope that my faith is genuine. The reed cannot grow without mire, but the plants that God has planted can and do thrive even in times of drought. A godly person often grows best when their worldly circumstances decline. Those who follow Christ for material gain are like Judas, and those who seek Him only for food and comforts are children of the devil. But those who follow Him for love’s sake—they are His beloved.

Lord, let me find my life in You, not in the fleeting favors and gains of this world!

Evening

The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. — Isa 58:11 BSB

“Jehovah shall guide you.” Not an angel, but Jehovah Himself will guide you. Moses once said, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Christian, God has not left you to be guided by an angel in your earthly journey—He Himself leads you. You may not see the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night, but rest assured, Jehovah will never forsake you.

Notice the word shall—“Jehovah shall guide you.” How certain this makes it! God will not fail to be your guide. His promises—His "shalls" and "wills"—are more reliable than the most solemn oaths of men. He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Also observe the word continually—“Jehovah shall guide you continually.” He will not guide you only at certain times but will be your perpetual guide. You will not be left to figure things out on your own and risk wandering off course. No, you will always hear the Shepherd’s voice directing you, and if you follow Him closely, you will never stray but be led along the right path to a place of rest.

If you need to change your life circumstances, if you move to distant lands, if you face poverty or suddenly find yourself in a position of responsibility you weren’t expecting, or if you are surrounded by strangers or enemies—do not fear, for “the Lord shall guide you continually.” There is no dilemma He cannot deliver you from if you stay close to Him and keep your heart warm with His love. Those who walk with God will not go astray. Just as Enoch walked with God, and did not lose his way, so can you. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, unchanging love to comfort you, and eternal power to protect you. Remember, Jehovah—the Lord Himself—shall guide you continually.