Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 21– Morning

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

“If, in fact, you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 

—I Peter 2:3

 

Notice the word “If.” Desiring more of the Lord is not something to be taken for granted for everyone. “If” tells us that there is a possibility and probability that some may not have tasted that the Lord is gracious. “If” tells us that some have been touched only by a general mercy but not a special grace. That is why it is necessary to ask ourselves whether or not we know the grace of God by inward experience because it is the basis for our seeking more of him.

Seeking God should be a matter of earnest and prayerful inquiry, and no one ought to be content that he has tasted enough of the Lord. We should have a jealous and holy distrust of self in this regard. And yet we should not doubt that we have, in fact, tasted of the Lord. On the basis of what we have already tasted, then, let us clasp the Savior in the arms of faith and say, “I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him.”

Do not rest, dear believer, until you have a full assurance of your interest in Christ. Let nothing stop you until the Holy Spirit certifies you as a true child of God. Do not trifle with this certainty. Do not let “perhaps” and “maybe” and “if” satisfy your soul. Get the sure mercies of David, and become sure of your God. Get beyond these awful “ifs,” and leave the wilderness of doubts and fears. Cross the river of distrust, and enter the Promised Land of peace. [M&E]