INIQUITIES PREVAIL AGAINST ME

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 17

 

Psalm 65:3

Iniquities prevail against me: as for our

transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

 
 
The believer is in a state of warfare.
 
Sin lives in him, works in him, and sometimes overcomes him.
 
He is never free from sin, and has daily need to watch and strive against sin.

  —Iniquities prevail against us at times, and then they break our peace

  —strengthen unbelief

  —lead away our affections from God

  —close the mouth in prayer

  —silence the voice of praise

  —weaken and pollute the soul

  —and raise a cloud between God and us,

      so that we cannot see his face, or enjoy.

 
When we yield to sin and it prevails against us, 

  we must expect to feel the rebukes and 

    reproofs of the Holy Spirit within; 

      the rod of affiliation may also be laid on without; 

       confusion and perplexity will be felt before the throne; and 

           our state calls for humiliation, confession, and 

              repentance toward God.
 
If the Lord sanctify this experience to us, it will lead us to fate sin more, and loathe ourselves before God: we shall become more watchful and prayerful; we shall be more jealous of ourselves, and careful to avoid all appearance of evil; and when again set at liberty, we shall bless, praise, and adore the long-suffering mercy, and forgiving love of God.
 

Lord, my iniquities prevail,

My courage droops, my spirits fail;

Do thou me rebel lusts subdue,

And all my inward powers renew.

 
James Smith