April 24

Morning

In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests. — Neh 9:38 BSB

There are many moments in life when it’s fitting and beneficial to renew our covenant with God. After recovering from sickness, like Hezekiah, when God adds more years to our life, it’s a good time to do so. After any deliverance from trouble, when joy springs up again in our hearts, we should revisit the foot of the cross and renew our consecration to God. Especially after any sin that has grieved the Holy Spirit or brought dishonor to God’s name, we should look again to the blood that makes us whiter than snow and recommit ourselves to the Lord.

Troubles should not be the only things that bring us back to God; our times of prosperity should do the same. If we ever experience blessings worthy of being called “crowning mercies,” then surely, if God crowns us, we should crown Him in return. Let’s bring out all the treasures of our hearts—the jewels of God’s grace—and place them before Him. Let’s give God the throne of our love, and clothe Him in the royal garments of our praise.

If we learned to make the most of our prosperity, we wouldn’t need so much adversity. If we could gather all the good from every blessing, we wouldn’t so often find ourselves under the rod of correction. Have you recently received a blessing you didn’t expect? Has the Lord made your way wide and easy? Are you singing about multiplied mercies? Then this is the day to take hold of the altar’s horns and say, “Bind me here, my God; bind me with cords of love forever!”

As we look forward to new promises from God, let us renew our prayers so that we don’t dishonor our old vows. This morning, let’s make a sure covenant with God in light of the sufferings of Jesus, which we have reflected on with gratitude this past month.

Evening

The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land. — Song 2:12 BSB

Spring is such a sweet season. The long, dreary winter makes us appreciate its warmth even more, and the promise of summer only enhances the beauty of spring. After a season of spiritual depression, it’s delightful to feel the light of the Sun of Righteousness shining again. Like crocuses and daffodils rising from the ground, our slumbering graces awaken. Our hearts are filled with a melody of gratitude that is far more beautiful than the singing of birds. The comforting assurance of peace within our souls is even sweeter than the cooing of the dove.

Now is the time for our souls to seek communion with the Beloved. Now we must rise from our natural indifference and break away from old patterns. If we don’t catch the wind of the Spirit when it’s favorable, we are to blame. We should not let these times of spiritual refreshment pass by without taking full advantage. When Jesus Himself visits us with tenderness and calls us to rise, how could we refuse? He has risen so that He may draw us after Him. He revives us by His Holy Spirit so that we can ascend into heavenly places and enjoy fellowship with Him.

Let the coldness and indifference of our winter season be enough. Now that the Lord has created a spiritual spring within us, let the sap of our faith flow with vigor, and let our branches blossom with resolve. Oh Lord, if my heart is still in a wintry state, I pray that You would bring springtime to my soul. I am tired of living at a distance from You. When will this long and dreary winter end? Come, Holy Spirit, renew my soul! Quicken me, restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night, I earnestly plead with You, Lord, to show pity on Your servant and send a fresh revival of spiritual life!