October 31 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Genesis 21:1–7

Devotional

It was far above the power of nature—and even contrary to its laws—that the aged Sarah should be honoured with a son. In the same way, it is beyond all ordinary rules that I—a poor, helpless, undone sinner—should find grace to bear about in my soul the indwelling Spirit of the Lord Jesus. I, who once despaired—as well I might, for my nature was as dry and withered and barren and accursed as a howling wilderness—even I have been made to bring forth fruit that leads to holiness. My mouth may well be filled with joyous laughter because of the remarkable, surprising grace which I have received from the Lord. For I have found Jesus, the promised Seed, and he is mine forever. This day I will lift up psalms of triumph to the Lord who has remembered my low estate, for “my heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance” (1 Sam. 2:1).

I would have all those who hear of my great deliverance from hell and my most blessed visitation from on high laugh for joy with me. I would surprise my family with my abundant peace. I would delight my friends with my ever-increasing happiness. I would edify the church with my grateful confessions. I would even impress the world with the cheerfulness of my daily walk.

In The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan tells us that Mercy laughed in her sleep, and no wonder when she dreamed of Jesus. My joy will not stop short of hers while my Beloved is the theme of my daily thoughts. The Lord Jesus is a deep sea of joy. My soul will dive in and be swallowed up in the delights of his companionship. Sarah looked on her Isaac and laughed with excess of rapture. And all her friends laughed with her. And you, my soul, look on your Jesus, and bid heaven and earth to join in your joy unspeakable.

[June 15, morning meditation]

Extracted from C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening (public domain), language modernized by Larry E. Wilson.