Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 15– Evening

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

“Strengthen, O God, the works you have done in us.”

—Psalm 68:28

It is wise for us, and according to our need, to beg God continually to strengthen that which He has begun to work in us. Many Christians neglect to do this and then encounter trials and afflictions which arise from unbelief. It is true that Satan seeks to flood the beautiful garden of the heart to make it a scene of desolation, but it is also true that many Christians leave the flood-gates open, allowing the dreadful deluge through carelessness and lack of prayer to their Strong Helper. We must not forget that the Author of our faith is the Preserver of it also.

The lamp which was burning in the temple was never allowed to go out, but it had to be replenished with fresh oil every day. In the same way, our faith can only live by being sustained with the oil of grace, and we can only obtain this from God himself. We must not be like the foolish young maidens who failed to secure enough oil for their lamps. The One who built the world upholds it, or it would fall in one tremendous crash; and he who made us Christians must maintain us by his Spirit, or our ruin will be speedy and final.

Let us, then, evening by evening, go to our Lord for the grace and strength we need. We have a strong case to plead, for it is his own work of grace which we ask him to strengthen. Do you think he will fail to protect and sustain that? Only let your faith take hold of his strength, and all the powers of darkness cannot cast a cloud or shadow over your joy and peace. Why faint when you can be strong? Why suffer defeat when you can conquer? Oh! take your wavering faith and drooping graces to Him who can revive and replenish them, and earnestly pray, “Strengthen, O God, the works You have done in us.” [M&E]