April 29

Morning

Do not become a terror to me; You are my refuge in the day of disaster. — Jer 17:17 BSB

The Christian’s path is not always lit by sunshine; there are seasons of darkness and storm. It is true that Scripture tells us, “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace,” and it is certainly true that a life of faith is meant to bring happiness in this life, as well as in eternity. But experience reminds us that even though “the path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day,” there are times when that light is dimmed. At times, clouds obscure the believer’s sun, and he walks in darkness without seeing the light.

Many have rejoiced in God’s presence for a season; they have enjoyed the warmth of His sunshine early in their Christian journey, walking through “green pastures” and beside “still waters.” But then they find the once-clear skies clouded over; instead of the fruitful land of Goshen, they are led into the barren desert. Instead of sweet waters, they find bitter streams and wonder, “If I am truly a child of God, why is this happening to me?”

Oh, do not think this way if you are walking through a dark season. The best of God’s saints have had to drink the bitter cup; even His dearest children must bear the cross. No Christian enjoys uninterrupted prosperity; no believer’s harp remains untouched by sorrow. Perhaps the Lord gave you a smooth, easy path in the beginning because you were weak and timid. He sheltered you from the harsh winds as a shepherd protects a newly shorn lamb. But now that you’ve grown stronger, you must face the tougher challenges meant for God’s more mature children. We need storms to strengthen our faith, to break off the dead branches of self-reliance, and to root us more firmly in Christ. It’s in the day of adversity that we come to truly appreciate the worth of our glorious hope.

Evening

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation. — Ps 149:4 BSB

How vast and comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people’s lives that escapes His concern, and nothing that affects their well-being is too small for His notice. He doesn’t only think of you, believer, as an immortal soul, but as a mortal being too. Don’t doubt it: “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” It would be a terrible thing if any part of your life fell outside His loving care, for who knows what harm might come to you in that area if it were beyond His reach?

Rest assured, believer, that Jesus cares about even the smallest details of your life. His love is so wide that you can turn to Him with every matter, for “as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Every aspect of your life, no matter how small, is held close to the heart of the Son of God. What a heart He has! It doesn’t just encompass the salvation of His people but also their countless daily concerns.

Do you think, Christian, that you can measure the love of Christ? Consider what His love has done for you: justification, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life! His goodness is unsearchable, and you’ll never be able to fully comprehend it. Oh, the width and depth of Christ’s love! Should such love only have a portion of our hearts? Should it be met with a cold response? Should the tender care and loving-kindness of Jesus be repaid with a faint and slow acknowledgment? Oh, my soul, lift your voice in thanksgiving! Go to your rest tonight with joy, for you are no lonely wanderer but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, provided for, and defended by your Lord.