Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 1– Morning

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

“[Lord], you will guide me with your counsel and afterward receive me to glory.” 

—Psalm 73:24

The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and, unless he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should guide him from now on. A sense of our own foolishness is a great step towards being wise when it leads us to rely on God’s wisdom. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm and, therefore, reaches home in safety. In the same way, we give ourselves to divine guidance, nothing doubting, assured that, though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God.

When the psalmist says, “Lord, you will guide me,” it is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that God would not decline to lead him. Now there’s a word for you, O believer; rest in it. Be assured that your God will be your counselor and friend; he will guide you! He will direct all your ways. In his written Word you already have this assurance partially fulfilled for Holy Scripture is his counsel to you. How happy we are to have God’s Word always to guide us! Where would the sailor be without his compass, and where would the Christian be without his Bible?

And, then, after this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last; he says, “and afterward receive me to glory.” If you belong to Christ, then God himself will receive you to glory— yes, you!– wandering, erring, straying, and yet he will bring you safe at last to glory! This is for you; live on it today! And if perplexities should surround you, go in the strength of this text straight to God’s throne. [M&E]