Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

 March 5– Evening

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

“[O Lord,] say unto my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” 

—Psalm 35:3

This sweet prayer of David teaches me many things, and I will learn from it and then make it my prayer this evening. First of all, it tells me that David had his doubts. After all, why would he ask God to speak to his soul and declare “I am your salvation” if he didn’t at times have doubts and fears? Let me, then, be encouraged, for I am not the only saint who is weak in faith. If David doubted, then I should not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.

The text also reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears. He ran at once to the mercy seat to pray for assurance. I, too, must strive to settle my sense of acceptance in Christ, the One I love. When my Bridegroom is not with me, my soul must and will fast until he returns.

I learn also that David knew where to obtain this full assurance: he went to God in prayer. I too must be alone with God often if I really want to have a clear sense of Jesus’ love. If my prayers cease, my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. David had to find his assurance in a divine source; the Lord himself must say, “I am your salvation.” Nothing short of a divine declaration in the soul will ever content the true Christian.

And lastly, David’s assurance had to be personal. He asks God, “Say unto my soul, I am your salvation.” Lord, if you say this to all the saints, it would mean nothing; you must say it to me! Lord, I have sinned; I do not deserve your smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am yours and you are mine. [M&E]