March 5

Morning

So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. — 1 Thess 5:6 BSB

There are many ways to keep yourself spiritually awake. One of the best is for Christians to talk together about the ways of the Lord. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and Hopeful, as they traveled toward the Celestial City, said to one another, “To keep from getting drowsy in this place, let’s have a good conversation.” Christian asked, “Brother, where shall we begin?” And Hopeful answered, “Where God began with us.” Then Christian sang this song:

“When saints grow sleepy, let them gather here,
And listen as these pilgrims talk so clear.
Yes, let them learn from these men as they speak,
So slumbering eyes will no longer be weak.
Fellowship of saints, when wisely shared,
Keeps us awake, and helps our souls be prepared.”

Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone are more likely to grow spiritually sluggish. Stay in fellowship with other believers, and you will be kept awake spiritually, refreshed, and encouraged to make faster progress on the road to heaven. But as you share this “sweet counsel” with others, make sure that Jesus is the focus of your conversation. Let your faith be fixed on Him, your heart filled with Him, and your words speak of His worth. Live close to the cross, and you will not fall asleep spiritually.

Keep reminding yourself of the value of the place you are headed to. If you remember you’re on your way to heaven, you won’t fall asleep along the way. If you think about the reality of hell behind you, and the devil chasing after you, you won’t dawdle. Would a man being chased by an enemy sleep if he knew a city of refuge was just ahead? Christian, will you sleep when the gates of heaven are open, the angels are ready to welcome you, and a crown of gold is prepared for you? No! In holy fellowship, keep watch and pray so that you don’t fall into temptation.

Evening

Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.” — Ps 35:3 BSB

What does this sweet prayer teach me? It will be my prayer tonight, but first, let me learn from it. The text shows me that David had his doubts. Why else would he pray, “Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation,’” unless he sometimes struggled with doubts and fears? So, let me take heart—I’m not the only believer who has to battle weak faith. If David doubted, I don’t have to conclude that I’m not a Christian just because I have doubts.

The text also shows me that David wasn’t content to stay in his doubts. He immediately went to God in prayer, asking for assurance, because he valued it as much as gold. I, too, must strive for a constant sense of being accepted in Christ, and I should feel no joy if His love isn’t evident in my heart. When my Bridegroom seems distant, my soul must fast and seek Him.

I also learn that David knew exactly where to go for full assurance. He went to God in prayer, crying, “Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” If I want a clear sense of Jesus’ love, I must spend much time alone with God. If I neglect prayer, my spiritual sight will grow dim. Much prayer leads to much communion with heaven; little prayer leads to slow spiritual progress.

David wouldn’t be satisfied with anything less than assurance that came directly from God. “Say to my soul,” he prayed. Lord, You must say it! Nothing but a divine word spoken into my soul will satisfy me.

David also couldn’t rest unless this assurance was personal. “Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” Lord, even if You say this to all Your saints, it won’t be enough unless You say it to me. I’ve sinned; I don’t deserve Your smile; I hardly dare ask for it. But oh, Lord, say to my soul, even to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Let me have a personal, present, infallible assurance that I belong to You and You belong to me.