April 27

Morning

God, even our own God. — Ps 67:6

It is strange how little use we make of the spiritual blessings which God gives us but it is stranger still how little use we make of God Himself. Though He is “our own God,” we apply ourselves but little to Him, and ask but little of Him. How seldom do we ask counsel at the hands of the Lord! How often do we go about our business, without seeking His guidance! In our troubles how constantly do we strive to bear our burdens ourselves, instead of casting them upon the Lord, that He may sustain us! This is not because we may not, for the Lord seems to say, “I am yours—come and make use of me as you will; you may freely come to my store, and the oftener the more welcome.” It is our own fault if we make not free with the riches of our God.

Then, since you have such a friend, and He invites you, draw from Him daily. Never lack—while you have a God to go to; never fear or faint—while you have God to help you; go to your treasure house and take whatever you need—there is all that you can want. Learn the divine skill of making God all things to you. He can supply you with all; or, better still, He can be to you instead of all. Let me urge you, then, to make use of your God. Make use of Him in prayer. Go to Him often, because He is your God. O, will you fail to use so great a privilege? Fly to Him, tell Him all your needs. Use Him constantly by faith at all times. If some dark providence has beclouded you—use your God as a “sun;” if some strong enemy has beset you—find in Jehovah a “shield,” for He is a sun and shield to His people. If you have lost your way in the mazes of life—use Him as a “guide,” for He will direct you. Whatever you are, and wherever you are, remember God is just what you need, and just where you need and that He can do all you need.

Evening

The Lord is King forever and ever. — Ps 10:16

Jesus Christ is no despotic claimant of divine right but He is really and truly the Lord’s anointed! “It has pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.” God has given to Him all power and all authority. As the Son of man, He is now head over all things to His church, and He reigns over heaven, and earth, and hell, with the keys of life and death at His belt. Certain princes have delighted to call themselves kings by the popular will, and certainly our Lord Jesus Christ is such in His church. If it could be put to the vote whether He should be King in the church, every believing heart would crown Him. O that we could crown Him more gloriously than we do! We would count no expense to be wasted that could glorify Christ. Suffering would be pleasure, and loss would be gain—if thereby we could surround His brow with brighter crowns, and make Him more glorious in the eyes of men and angels. Yes, He shall reign. Long live the King! All hail to You, King Jesus! Go forth, you virgin souls who love your Lord, bow at His feet, strew His way with the lilies of your love, and the roses of your gratitude! “Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.”

Moreover, our Lord Jesus is King in Zion by right of conquest. He has taken by storm and captured the hearts of His people and has slain their enemies who held them in cruel bondage. In the Red Sea of His own blood, our Redeemer has drowned the Pharaoh of our sins! He has delivered us from the iron yoke and heavy curse of the law—shall not the Liberator be crowned? We are His portion, whom He has taken out of the hand of the Amorite with His sword and with His bow. Who shall snatch His conquest from His hand? All hail, King Jesus! we gladly own Your gentle sway! Rule in our hearts forever, O lovely Prince of Peace.