July 29

Morning

Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. — Ps 73:23 BSB

"Nevertheless," as if, despite all the foolishness and ignorance David had just confessed to God, not one bit of it could cancel the truth that David was saved, accepted, and constantly in God’s presence. Fully aware of his own sinfulness, deceitfulness, and the vileness of his nature—David still bursts out in glorious faith, saying, “Nevertheless, I am continually with You.”

Believer, you must also share Asaph’s confession and, in the same spirit, say, “Nevertheless, because I belong to Christ, I am continually with God!”

This means that you are continually on His mind—God is always thinking about you for your good. You are constantly before His eyes—the Lord never sleeps but watches over your well-being without end. You are continually in His hand—no one can pluck you from His grip. You are continually on His heart—worn there like a precious memorial, just as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his chest before God.

“You always think of me, O God. Your love constantly yearns for me. You are always working through providence for my good. I am a signet on Your arm, and Your love for me is as strong as death—nothing can quench it, and no flood can drown it. What amazing grace! Though I am repulsive in myself, You see me in Christ, washed in His blood and clothed in His righteousness. In Him, I stand continually accepted before You. I am constantly in Your favor and always with You.”

Here is comfort for the soul vexed by inner storms—look at the calm assurance found in God’s presence. Say it in your heart, and let peace flood in: “Nevertheless, I am continually with You.”

Evening

Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. — John 6:37 BSB

This declaration highlights the doctrine of election: there are some whom the Father has given to Christ. It also reveals the power of effectual calling—those whom God has given must and will come to Christ. Even if they resist, they will be brought from the darkness of sin into the marvelous light of God. This emphasizes the absolute necessity of faith, for even those given to Christ are not saved unless they come to Him. They must come, for there is no other way to heaven except through Christ. Everyone given to Christ by the Father must come to Him, and no one can enter heaven without coming through Jesus.

How majestic and powerful are the words “shall come”! Jesus doesn’t say that people can come or might come if they wish; He says they shall come. Jesus, through His Word, His Spirit, and His messengers, graciously compels people to come and feast at His table. This He does without violating our free will, but by the sheer power of His grace. We may not fully understand how God works, but He can use irresistible arguments and the influence of His Spirit to gently yet powerfully draw us to Himself. He subdues our rebellious hearts with His sovereign love, and we come willingly.

But how can we know those whom God has chosen? By the result: they willingly and joyfully come to Christ. They come with simple faith, resting on Him as their complete salvation. Dear reader, have you come to Jesus in this way?