Morning & Evening Daily Devotional Reading– August 15

by Charles H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by William C. Neff

“Isaac went out to the meditate in the field in the evening.”

—Genesis 24:63

Isaac’s occupation was very admirable. Those who spend so many hours in idle company, light reading, and useless pastimes would be wise to find more profitable company in meditation than in the empty things that seem to have such charm. We would all know more, live nearer to God, and grow in grace, if we were alone more often with Him. Meditation allows us to “chew the cud” and extract the real nutrients from the mental food gathered elsewhere. When Jesus is the theme, meditation is sweet indeed.

The place of Isaac’s choosing was also admirable. The field is a study filled with interesting books. From the cedar tree to a blade of grass; from the soaring eagle to the chirping grasshopper; from the great blue sky to a drop of dew– all things are full of teaching. And when the eye is divinely opened that teaching can impress the mind far more vividly than written books. Let’s allow the created things around us to point to their Maker, and all of life will become holy.

And, lastly, the time of day was also admirable. When the sunset draws a veil over the day, it is a fitting time for the reflection of the soul; the concerns of the day meet the joys of heavenly communion. The setting sun excites our wonder, and the approaching night awakens our awe.

If the business of this day will permit it, you will do well to spare an hour to walk in the field this evening. But if not, the Lord is in the town too, and will meet with you in your room or even in the crowded street. Let your heart run out to meet Him. [M&E]