June 15

Morning

Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” — Gen 21:6 BSB

It was beyond the power of nature, and even contrary to its laws, for the aged Sarah to be blessed with a son. In the same way, it is beyond all ordinary expectation that I, a poor, helpless, ruined sinner, should find the grace to carry within me the indwelling Spirit of the Lord Jesus. I, who once despaired—rightly so, for my nature was as dry, barren, and cursed as a desolate wilderness—have been made to bear fruit unto holiness! No wonder my heart is filled with joyful laughter because of the extraordinary, surprising grace I’ve received from the Lord. I have found Jesus, the promised seed, and He is mine forever!

Today I will lift up songs of triumph to the Lord, who has remembered my lowly condition, for “my heart rejoices in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord; my mouth boasts over my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation.” I want everyone who hears of my great deliverance from hell and my blessed visitation from heaven to laugh with me. I want to surprise my family with my abundant peace, delight my friends with my ever-growing happiness, and build up the church with my grateful testimony. I even hope to impress the world with the joy that flows from my daily walk with the Lord.

Bunyan tells us that Mercy laughed in her sleep—and no wonder, for she dreamed of Jesus. My joy shall be no less, for my Beloved is the constant theme of my thoughts. The Lord Jesus is an endless ocean of joy—my soul will dive into its depths and be overwhelmed by the delight of His presence. Sarah looked upon her son Isaac and laughed with overwhelming joy, and all her friends laughed with her. In the same way, my soul, look upon Jesus, and call heaven and earth to join in your unspeakable joy.

Evening

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. — Rev 3:7 BSB

Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise, and before every believing soul, He sets an open door that no man or devil can close. What joy it is to know that faith in Him is the golden key to the everlasting doors! My soul, do you carry this key with you, or are you trusting in some worthless imitation that will fail you in the end? Listen to this parable and take it to heart.

The great King has prepared a banquet, and He has decreed that only those who bring the fairest flower that blooms will be admitted. People approach the gate by the thousands, each carrying the flower they believe to be the queen of the garden. Yet, one by one, they are turned away from the royal presence, unable to enter the banquet hall. Some bring the poisonous nightshade of superstition, others the gaudy poppies of Rome, or the deadly hemlock of self-righteousness, but these are not pleasing to the King, and the bearers are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, have you gathered the Rose of Sharon? Do you wear the Lily of the Valley close to your heart? If so, when you arrive at heaven’s gates, you will know its worth, for the Porter will open to you without hesitation. Just the sight of that flower will secure your admission. With the Rose of Sharon in hand, you will find your way all the way to God’s throne, for nothing in heaven surpasses its radiant beauty. Of all the flowers in paradise, none can rival the Lily of the Valley.

My soul, grasp the blood-red rose of Calvary by faith. Wear it by love, preserve it through communion, and guard it through daily watchfulness. Then you will be blessed beyond measure, happier than any dream could imagine. Jesus, be mine forever—my God, my heaven, my all.