I Believe God

 
Evening Devotion

DECEMBER 2

 

…I believe God,

-Acts 27:25

 
The most reasonable thing in the world, and yet at some times most difficult.
 
He has spoken to us in the plainest terms,
  he has confirmed his promises with the blood of his dear Son,
  he has made every one of his saints a witness to his faithfulness,
  and yet we do not half believe him.
 
We do not absolutely doubt the truth of his promises,
  or his faithfulness to them,
    but we question their application to us.
 
Yet he has described our characters,
  presented us with examples as much like ourselves as possible:
    but unbelief is so strong,
      Satan is so active, and present things have such influences,
        that we do not believe God.
 
May he deeply convince us of the sin of unbelief,
   humble us for it before his throne, and
      send his Holy Spirit to work faith in our hearts.
 
Beloved, do you, as you read, or
    hear his precious promise, say,
        “That is true, God will perform it.
              He will make it good in my experience.
                 Therefore, I cannot want.
                      I will not fear.
                 I will only trust in his word,
              rely on his power, plead at his throne, and
          wait for the fulfilment of the promises in his own time and way.”
 
Such should be the language of all our hearts.
 
But, alas! how few of us use it.
 

Now learn in every state,

To make his will your own;

And when the joys of sense depart,

To walk by faith alone.

 
James Smith