Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 22– Evening

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

“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”

—Psalm 61:2

Most of us know what it is to be overwhelmed in heart. We feel tossed and emptied like a ship submerged and thrown on its side by the storm. Discoveries of inward corruption will do this to us; sometimes the Lord permits the great ocean of our depravity to become agitated, and it churns up the dirt that lies beneath. Disappointments and heartbreaks will do this to us when wave after wave rolls over us and we are like a broken shell, pushed around by the surf.

Blessed be God, for at such times we have an all-sufficient support; our God is the harbor of weather-beaten ships, the hospice of despondent pilgrims. He is higher than we are; his mercy is higher than our sins; his love is higher than our thoughts. It is pitiful to see men putting their trust in things lower than themselves, but our confidence is fixed upon an exceedingly high and glorious Lord. He is a high Rock of protection that never changes. The storms that overwhelm us roll far beneath his feet; he is not disturbed by them but rules them at his will.

If we get under the shelter of this lofty Rock, we can defy the hurricane. All is calm under the shelter of that towering cliff. When we experience the confusing storm of a troubled mind, we need to be led to this divine shelter. That’s why leading is the prayer of this text.  O Lord, our God, by your Holy Spirit, teach us the way of faith and lead us into your rest.

The wind blows our ship out to sea, disregarding the puny strength of our hand. But the Lord steers us to the rock of protection, leading us into the safe harbor. Lord, how dependent we are upon you to bring us to yourself. To be directed and steered into safety and peace is your gift and yours alone. Tonight, be pleased to deal kindly with Your servants. [M&E]