December 22 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Proverbs 16:27–33

Devotional

If the lot’s every decision is the Lord’s, then whose is the arrangement of our whole life? If he guides the simple casting of a lot, then how much more the events of our entire life—especially when we are told by our blessed Saviour: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matt. 10:29–30).

It would bring a holy calm over your mind, dear friend, if you would always remember this. It would so relieve your mind from anxiety that you would be the better able to walk in patience, quiet, and cheerfulness as a Christian should. When someone is anxious he cannot pray with faith. When he is troubled about the world, he cannot serve his Master; his thoughts are serving himself.

If you would “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” all things would then be added to you (Matt. 6:33). You are meddling with Christ’s business, and neglecting your own when you fret about your lot and circumstances. You have been trying “providing” work and forgetting that it is yours to obey. Be wise—you attend to the obeying and let Christ manage the providing.

Come and survey your Father’s storehouse; ask whether he will let you starve while he has laid up so great an abundance? Look at his heart of mercy; see if that can ever prove unkind! Look at his inscrutable wisdom; see if that will ever be at fault. Above all, look up to Jesus Christ your Intercessor, and ask yourself, can your Father deal ungraciously with you while he pleads? If he remembers even sparrows, will he forget one of the least of his poor children? “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Ps. 55:22).

My soul, rest happy in thy low estate,
nor hope nor wish to be esteem'd or great;
to take the impress of the Will Divine,
be that thy glory, and those riches thine.

[Dec 19]

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