Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

October 30– Evening

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

“You who dwell in the gardens, your companions listen to your voice; cause me to hear it.”

—Song of Solomon 8:13

My sweet Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane, and, although he has left that garden, he now dwells in the garden of his church. There he reveals himself to those who keep his blessed company. That voice of love with which he speaks to her is more beautiful than the music of heaven. There is a depth of melodious love within it which leaves all human music far behind. Tens of thousands on earth, and millions above, are indulged with its harmonious inflection. Some whom I know well and whom I greatly envy are at this moment listening to that voice. O, that I were a partaker of their joys! It is true that some are poor, others bedridden, and some near the gates of death, but, O my Lord, I would cheerfully starve with them, weep with them, or die with them if I might only hear your voice.

Lord, I used to hear your voice often, but I have grieved your Spirit. Return to me in compassion, and once again say to me, “I am your salvation.” No other voice can satisfy me. I know your voice and cannot be deceived by others; so, let me hear it, I pray.

I don’t know what you will say to me when you speak, and I don’t make any condition. You are the One I love, and I only want to hear you speak. If you have a word of correction, I will bless you for it; let its momentary pain clean out my ears; pierce my ear afresh with your harshest notes, but don’t permit me to continue to be deaf unto your voice.

Tonight, Lord, grant your unworthy one his desire, for I am yours, and you have bought me with your blood. You have opened my eye to see you, and the very sight of you has saved me. Lord, open my ear. I have read your heart; now let me hear your voice. [M&E]