Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

August 27– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”

—Psalm 31:5

These words have been frequently used by holy men in their hour of departure. We may profitably consider them this evening. The object of the faithful man’s concern in life and death is not his body or his estate but his spirit; this is his choice treasure; if this is safe, then all is well.

What is this mortal body compared with the soul? The believer commits his soul to the hand of his God. It came from him; it belongs to him; he has sustained it; he is able to keep it; and it is most fit that he should receive it. All things are safe in God’s hands. What we entrust to the Lord will be secure— today and in that day of days towards which we are all hastening. It is peaceful living and glorious dying to repose in the care of heaven. At all times we should commit our whole being to Jesus’ faithful hand; but then, on that day when life may hang on by a thread and adversities may multiply as the sands of the sea, so our soul will dwell at ease and delight itself in quiet rest.

“You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” Redemption in Christ is the solid basis for our confidence in God. David, the psalmist, had not known Calvary like we do. Temporal redemption cheered his soul, so why shouldn’t eternal redemption yet more sweetly console us? Past deliverances are strong arguments for present assistance. What the Lord has done he will do again, for he does not change. He is faithful to his promises and gracious to his saints. He will never turn away from his people.

“Though you slay me, I will trust, praise you even from the dust.

Prove, and tell it as I prove, your unspeakable love.

You may discipline and correct, but you never will neglect;

Since the ransom price is paid, on your love my hope is stayed.” [M&E]