February 20

Morning

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, — 2 Cor 7:6 BSB

And who can comfort like the Lord? Visit a weary, sorrowful child of God, and offer them the sweetest promises, whisper comforting words, and still, you’ll find them unmoved, like a deaf adder refusing to listen. They drink from the bitter cup of gall and wormwood, and no matter how kindly you try to comfort them, all you’ll hear in response is a sigh of resignation. There will be no psalms of praise, no hallelujahs of joy.

But when God comes to comfort His child, the mourner’s eyes glisten with hope, and you’ll hear them sing, “‘Tis paradise, if You are here; if You depart, ‘tis hell.” You couldn’t cheer them, but the Lord has done it. "He is the God of all comfort." There may be no balm in Gilead, but there is balm in God. There may be no healing among the creatures, but the Creator is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. A single Word from God can turn into a whole song for a Christian. Like a piece of gold, one Word of God can be beaten out into enough encouragement to last for weeks.

So, weary Christian, don’t sit in despair. Go to the Comforter and ask Him to give you joy. You are like a dry well. Have you heard that to get water from a dry pump, you must pour water down it first? So it is with you. When you are dry, go to God, ask Him to pour His joy into your heart, and your joy will be full. Don’t seek comfort from your earthly companions, for they will be like Job’s miserable friends. Instead, go to your God, "who comforts those who are cast down," and soon you will be able to say, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Your comforts delight my soul."

Evening

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. — Matt 4:1 BSB

A holy life does not shield us from temptation—Jesus Himself was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall on tinder, but with Jesus, it was like striking sparks on water, yet Satan persisted. If the devil continues to tempt even when there’s no response, how much more will he try when he knows how weak our hearts are! Even when we are greatly sanctified by the Holy Spirit, we should expect the attacks of the great adversary.

We often expect to face temptation in the midst of worldly activities, but even solitude will not shield us. Jesus was led into the wilderness, away from human society, and still, He was tempted by the devil. While solitude may help us avoid the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, the devil will follow us even into the most peaceful retreats.

Don’t assume that only worldly people face dark thoughts and temptations. Even the most spiritually-minded will endure temptation, and it can happen in the holiest places. Even the highest level of devotion won’t protect you from Satan’s attacks. Jesus, who was perfectly dedicated to His Father, was tempted. You may be filled with a burning love for Christ, and yet the devil will still try to drag you into spiritual coldness.

If you tell me when God will allow a Christian to lay aside their spiritual armor, I will tell you when Satan will stop tempting us. Like the knights of old, we must sleep with our armor on, always ready for battle, for the devil will pounce the moment we let our guard down. May the Lord keep us watchful in every season and, in the end, deliver us from the grasp of the lion and the paw of the bear.