Reading: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”—Psalm 138:7

Most blessed Lord, who have again permitted me to approach a throne of grace, shine this day into my heart. Anew may I enter on another day’s duties and trials with a soul calm and peaceful amid all other disquietudes—at peace with You.

I bless You that I can ever “sing of mercy” as well as of “judgment.” Your dealings might have been all in unmixed wrath, but the severest of them are tempered with gracious love. Oh that they may have their designed effect of driving me to the only true rest for the soul, in the bosom of its God! May the breaking of cistern by cistern only endear to me the more the great Fountain-head.

How often do You send tribulations, that Your people may see more of Your gracious hand! How often, when the waters are troubled, do we recognize the presence of the great Covenant-angel Himself, and experience the plenitude of His upholding grace and mercy! Lord, my earnest prayer is, that every trial may serve to unfold to me more of the preciousness of Jesus.

As prop by prop, which used to support me on earth, may be giving way, may I know what it is to lean my whole weight upon Him, and leave my whole case with Him, going to Him as the friend that “sticks closer than any brother”—into His sympathizing bosom to confide my every need—from His inexhaustible treasury to draw every consolation—and on His upholding arm confidingly and habitually to rest. May the grace of the Lord Jesus, His love and fellowship be with me this day and ever. Amen.