May 11

Morning

and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age. — Matt 28:20 BSB

How comforting it is to know that there is One who never changes and is always with us. Amidst the uncertainties and storms of life, it is a blessing to have a stable rock to cling to. O my soul, don’t set your affections on decaying treasures that rust and fade away, but fix your heart on Him who is eternally faithful. Don’t build your hope on the shifting sands of this deceptive world, but lay your foundation on the Rock that stands firm, no matter how fierce the storms may rage.

My soul, store your treasures in the only secure place, where they will never be lost. Place all your hope, all your trust, and all your joy in Christ. Trust in His merit, rest in His presence, and rejoice in His grace. When you do this, you can laugh at loss and face destruction without fear.

Remember, all the beauty and pleasures of this world will one day wither and die. The day is coming when nothing will remain but cold, black earth. Death will extinguish the light of your life like a candle, but oh! How sweet it is to have the light of the Sun of Righteousness when the candle goes out! The dark river of death will soon separate you from everything you know, but wed your heart to the One who will never leave you. Trust yourself to Him who will guide you through the dark waters and bring you safely to the shores of heaven, where you will sit with Him in glory forever.

Go, child of sorrow, and pour out your troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Place all your concerns in His hands, for He will never leave you, nor will He allow you to leave Him. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His promise, "I am with you always," is enough to sustain you, even if all others forsake you.

Evening

Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. — Josh 1:7 BSB

Our God's tender love for His children makes Him deeply concerned about their emotional and spiritual well-being. He desires that we live with courage, free from worry and fear. While some may see doubt and discouragement as small matters, God does not. He takes our struggles seriously, as evidenced by His command for us to be courageous and not entangled in fear. Our Master knows that unbelief is a serious malady, not something to be taken lightly, and it should be brought to Him, our beloved Physician, for healing.

God doesn’t like to see His children in sorrow. Although the Persian king Ahasuerus had a law that no one could enter his court dressed in mourning, the King of kings allows us to come to Him with our griefs. Still, He desires that we trade our garments of sorrow for garments of praise because we have much to rejoice about in Him.

A Christian should be of a courageous spirit, glorifying the Lord by facing trials with heroic faith. Fear and doubt dishonor God, and they also spread like an infection among His people. A single downcast believer can bring discouragement to many others. Moreover, without courage, Satan will overpower us. But when we find our joy in God, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength, and no power of hell can prevail against us. On the other hand, fear and cowardice lower our banner and invite defeat.

Furthermore, a cheerful spirit makes labor light, and success often follows those who work with joy and hope. The one who sows in hope will reap in joy. Therefore, dear believer, “be strong, and very courageous.”