January 23

A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way? — Prov 20:24 BSB

Do you ever fear that you might only have a nominal profession of faith, that the god of this world is blinding you, or that your conscience has been hardened by the deceitfulness of sin? Such fears are good to have. The one who has no fears, no serious concerns, no anxious questions, no internal struggles is in a dangerous position. It is likely that they have never experienced the “candle of the Lord searching the inner depths of the heart.”

But if God has brought your soul to life spiritually, and you have ears to hear, I ask you two questions: Have you received righteousness by a revelation of Christ’s righteousness, pardon by the application of His blood, love through the pouring out of His Spirit, and deliverance by the discovery of God’s outstretched hand? If not, and let your conscience be your guide—if you have never experienced righteousness, pardon, love, and deliverance, is there a cry in your soul for these things? Is there a fervent prayer for God to bestow them on you? Do you feel a groan in the depths of your spirit, longing for the Lord to reveal them? These are marks of life. The one who bears these marks will receive the blessing because God has brought them to life. Though the blessing may be delayed, it will surely come. It may be held back for wise purposes, and you may go through many dark seasons and anxious hours, but deliverance is certain. It is reserved for you in Christ, and you are being kept by God for that salvation, which will be revealed in due time.