Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

June 1– Morning

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

“The evening and the morning were the first day.” 

–Genesis 1:5

Was it so even in the beginning? Did light and darkness divide the realm of time in the first day? It is no wonder, then, that I also experience changes in my life– from the sunshine of prosperity to the midnight of adversity. The noonday sun won’t always be blazing in my soul; I must expect at times to seek for God in the night. And I am not alone in this, for all the Lord’s loved ones have had to sing the mingled song of judgment and mercy, of trial and deliverance, of mourning and delight.

What then should I do about this Divine order of things? First, I should learn to be content with it and be willing, with Job, to receive hardship from the hand of the Lord as well as comfort. Next, I should learn to rejoice in the changes God brings, praising the Lord for the sun of joy when it rises and for the gloom of evening as it falls. There is beauty both in sunrise and sunset. Third, believe that the night is as useful as the day. The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of promise shine gloriously in the dark sky of grief. Also, continue your service to others. Be faithful to your calling until you suddenly appear in his glory. And, finally, don’t dread the evening of old age when death is drawing near, for it is part of the day; and the Lord has said, “I will cover him all the day long.” [M&E]