September 22

Morning

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. — Ps 149:2 BSB

Rejoice, believer, but be sure that your joy is rooted in the Lord. You have every reason to be glad in your God, just as David sang, “God, my exceeding joy!” Rejoice that the Lord reigns and that Jehovah is King. Be glad that He sits upon His throne and rules over all things!

Every attribute of God should add to the brightness of our joy. That He is wise should make us glad, especially when we see our own foolishness. That He is mighty should bring us comfort when we tremble at our weakness. That He is eternal should inspire us to rejoice, knowing that we wither like the grass. That He is unchanging should give us a perpetual song, for we are in constant flux. That He is full of grace, overflowing with it, and that this grace has been given to us in His covenant, should fill us with joy. This grace is ours to cleanse us, to sustain us, to sanctify us, to perfect us, and to bring us to glory!

This joy in God is like a deep river—we have only touched its surface. We know a little of its sweet, clear, heavenly waters, but the deeper we go, the more impetuous and overwhelming its joy becomes.

The Christian can also take joy in all that God has done in the past. The Psalms show that God’s people often reflected on His past mercies, singing songs of gratitude for each one. Let us do the same. Let us remember His mighty deeds and sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!

And let our songs never cease, for as new mercies flow to us day by day, so should our gladness in His love continue to overflow in thanksgiving. Rejoice, children of Zion, and be glad in the Lord your God!

Evening

From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Ps 61:2 BSB

Many of us know what it feels like to be overwhelmed in heart—drained and emptied, as if our lives were like dishes wiped clean and turned upside down. We feel like we are drowning, sinking like a boat tossed about by the storm.

When God allows us to see the depths of our own corruption, we feel overwhelmed. Disappointments and heartbreaks can leave us feeling like we’re being pummeled by wave after wave of sorrow, tossed like broken shells by the relentless surf. But blessed be God, even in these moments, we have an all-sufficient refuge—our God is a harbor for those battered by life’s storms, a resting place for weary pilgrims. He is higher than we are—His mercy higher than our sins, His love beyond our imagination!

It is tragic to see those who are unsaved placing their trust in things that are lower than themselves. But our confidence is in a God who is far higher and greater than we can comprehend.

God is a Rock, unchanging and eternal. He is a high Rock, far above the storms that rage below. The tempests that shake us don’t disturb Him; He rules over them with sovereign power. If we can just reach the shelter of this high Rock, we can defy the storm. Everything is calm beneath the shelter of His towering protection.

But when we are troubled and confused, we often need help to find our way to this refuge. That’s why we pray, “When my heart is overwhelmed—lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!” O Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, guide us in the way of faith. Lead us into Your rest. The winds are driving us out to sea, and we cannot steer ourselves. You alone can navigate the treacherous waters and bring us safely to the harbor. How completely dependent we are on You! We need You to bring us to Yourself. To be led to safety and peace is Your gift alone. This night, deal kindly with Your servants, O Lord.