REJOICE THE SOUL OF THY SERVANT

 
EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

SEPTEMBER 24

 

Psalm 86:4

Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee,

O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

 

It is a greater honour to be the Lord’s servant, than to be the son of the greatest monarch upon earth.
 
But all God’s true servants are also his sons.
 
He loves them as his children, while he employs them to accomplish his designs.
 
They are all willing servants.
 
They are convinced that they ought to be employed for him, 

  they have engaged themselves to serve him, and 

   they love their Master,

     their work, 

        their fellow servants, and 

           their wages.
 
But though employed for God, they are not always happy in God.
 
They lose sight of their true state, high relation, glorious prospects, and present privileges: 

  or their evidences are clouded, 

    or Satan harasses them, 

      or providence appears to frown upon them, 

         or the law in the members prevails against them, 

             and they are cast down.
 
Or, it may be that the Lord is rebuking them for some sin, 

   or is displeased, because some idol is set up, some Agag is spared.
 
They cannot claim comfort, or take joy, 

    but they can pray for it.
 
David did so, “Restore unto me the joys of thy salvation.”
 
“Rejoice the soul of thy servant.”
 
Do you do so?
 
One ray of light, 

    one word of grace, 

       one whisper of his love, 

          will fill you with joy and peace.
 

Oh bid my heart rejoice,

And every fear control:

Since at thy throne, with suppliant voice,

To thee I lift my soul.

 
James Smith