April 12

Morning

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. — Ps 22:14 BSB

Our blessed Lord experienced a terrible sinking and melting of soul. The proverb says, “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit, who can bear?” There is no trial as severe as deep spiritual distress. All other sufferings pale in comparison. No wonder our suffering Savior cried out to His Father, “Do not be far from me,” for in His time of heart-wrenching anguish, He desperately needed His God’s presence.

Believer, come near to the cross this morning and bow in humble worship before the King of glory, who was brought lower in mental and emotional agony than anyone could ever be. Marvel at His suitability to be our faithful High Priest, for He can truly sympathize with all our weaknesses.

Especially for those of us whose sadness comes from feeling a distance from our Father’s love, let us draw near to Jesus. Let us not succumb to despair, knowing that our Savior has passed through this same dark valley before us. Our souls may sometimes long and faint, yearning with anguish to sense the light of God’s presence. In such times, let us take comfort in the deep sympathy of our great High Priest. Our own drops of sorrow are insignificant compared to the ocean of His grief, but our love for Him should rise higher in response.

Come, O strong and deep love of Jesus, like a spring tide of the sea—wash over all my fears, drown all my sins, and lift my earth-bound soul to Your feet. Let me rest there, like a poor broken shell washed up by the waves of Your love. I have no merit, no worth, but if You will incline Your ear to me, You will hear in my heart faint echoes of the vast waves of Your own love, which have carried me to where I find joy lying at Your feet forever.

Evening

The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. — Neh 3:15 BSB

The mention of the king’s garden by Nehemiah brings to mind the paradise that the King of kings prepared for Adam. Sin utterly ruined that beautiful garden, driving humanity out into a world cursed with thorns and thistles. My soul, remember the fall, for it was your fall. Weep deeply for the disgrace brought upon the Lord of love by the head of the human race—of which you are a member, as guilty as any. Behold how dragons and demons now roam this earth, which was once a garden of delight.

But look now at another King’s garden, the one that Jesus watered with His bloody sweat—Gethsemane. The bitter herbs of that garden are sweeter to the renewed soul than even the fruits of Eden. It was there that the damage caused by the serpent in the first garden was undone. There the curse was lifted from the earth and carried by the promised seed of the woman. My soul, spend much time meditating on the agony of Gethsemane. Visit that garden often and gaze upon your Redeemer, who rescued you from your lost estate. It is the garden of gardens, where the soul can see both the guilt of sin and the power of love—two sights that surpass all others.

Is there no other King’s garden? Yes, my heart, you are meant to be such a garden. How do your flowers grow? Are there any fruits worthy of the King’s delight? Does the King walk among the flowers and rest in the shade of my spirit? Let me make sure that the plants are pruned, watered, and nourished, and that the little foxes of sin are chased away. Come, Lord, and let the sweet wind of Your Spirit blow upon my soul, so that the fragrance of Your garden may spread far and wide.

And I must not forget the King’s garden, the Church. O Lord, send Your blessing upon her. Strengthen her walls, water her plants, ripen her fruits, and turn the wilderness into a fruitful field—a true King’s garden!