Reading: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.”—1 John 5:4

O eternal, everlasting God, You are glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders. Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory. You, the almighty keeper of Israel, never slumber. There is not the moment I am away from your wakeful vigilance. In the defenceless hours of sleep, as well as amid life’s activities and toils, You are ever the same, “compassing my path and my lying down, and intimately acquainted with all my ways.”

I rejoice to think that I have the assurance of such unwearying watchfulness and care in a world “lying in wickedness.” Blessed Jesus, in the world You have forewarned me to expect tribulation, but, nevertheless, I will “be of good cheer, for you have overcome the world.” You have traversed its wilderness depths. You have passed through the shadow of its darkest valley. I cannot dread what You have trodden and conquered for me.

But, alas! I have to mourn that the world which crucified You should be so much loved by me, that its pleasures should be so fascinating, its pursuits so engrossing. Wean me from it. Break its spell. Show me its hollowness, the fleeting nature of its most enduring friendship. The world has deceived me, but You never have. Guide me by Your counsel. Saviour-God, let me come up from the wilderness leaning on Your arm, exulting, amid its legion-foes, that greater is He who is with me than all those who can be against me. This I ask for the glory of my Great Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.