October 30

Morning

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart. — Ps 9:1 BSB

Praise should always follow answered prayer; just as the mist of earth’s gratitude rises when the sun of heaven’s love warms the ground. Has the Lord been gracious to you and inclined His ear to your supplications? Then praise Him as long as you live. Let the fruit of thanksgiving fall on the fertile soil from which it has drawn its life. To withhold praise when God has answered prayer is to risk ingratitude. It is like the nine lepers who, after being healed, did not return to thank the Lord.

To forget to praise God is to miss out on a means of spiritual growth. Praise, like prayer, helps remove our burdens, rekindles hope, and strengthens faith. It is a healthy exercise for the soul, quickening the believer and preparing them for greater works in their Master’s service.

When we bless God for mercies received, we also encourage others. “The humble shall hear and be glad.” Those in similar situations will take heart when we say, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!” Hearing of God’s goodness strengthens weak hearts and revives weary saints. Our songs of deliverance rebuke doubts and fears and uplift those around us.

Praise is the most heavenly of Christian duties. Angels do not pray, yet they are constantly engaged in praise, day and night. And the redeemed in heaven, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches, never tire of singing, “Worthy is the Lamb!”

Evening

You who dwell in the gardens, my companions are listening for your voice. Let me hear it! — Song 8:13 BSB

My precious Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane, and though He has left that place of agony, He now dwells in the garden of His church, unburdening Himself to those who stay close to Him. The voice with which He speaks to His beloved is sweeter than the harps of heaven. There is a depth of love in it that no human music can match. Tens of thousands on earth, and countless souls in heaven, are privileged to hear His loving words. Oh, how I envy them! Some of these are poor, bedridden, or near death’s door, but I would gladly suffer with them if only to hear Your voice!

There was a time when I heard that voice frequently, but I have grieved Your Spirit. Come back to me in mercy and speak once again, “I am your salvation!” No other voice will satisfy me. I know Your voice and cannot be deceived by another. Please, I beg You, let me hear it again. I don’t even care what You say—whether it is a word of rebuke or comfort—I will bless You for it. If my ears need to be opened through painful trials, then so be it. I still long for nothing more than to hear Your voice!

Lord, grant this unworthy servant my heart's desire tonight. I am Yours, bought by Your blood. You have opened my eyes to see You, and that sight has saved me. Now, open my ears that I may hear You. I have read Your heart; now let me hear Your lips!