October 14 Daily Devotional

... Because He loves me so

... Beyond all else for our encouragement, look at the One who subjected Himself to it all, though He need not have done so—’Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame’. [Hebrews 12:2.] He knew what it meant. He said, ‘Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not my will but thine be done’. He endured it all for the joy that was laid up for Him and for your salvation and mine. So, when you may feel that the discipline is too much and that it is very painful, look unto Him, keep looking at Him and follow Him. And as certainly as we do so we shall find that this which for the moment is so painful and grievous will afterward yield, even in this life and world, and still more in glory, this wonderful fruit of health and righteousness, of peace and of the enjoyment of God. I do not know what you feel, but as I have meditated this last fortnight upon this great word, I say honestly and in the presence of God, that there is nothing that gives me greater comfort and greater solace than this, to know that I am in God’s hands, and that He so loves me and is so determined upon my holiness and upon bringing me to heaven.... ‘Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Take the exercises, my friend, hurry to the gymnasium,* do what He tells you, examine yourself, practise it all whatever the cost, however great the pain, and enter into the joy of the Lord.

Spiritual Depression, pp. 258–9

* October 11