Spurgeon: October PM
* 10/31/PM
"I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great
drought."
--Hosea 13:5
Yes, Lord, Thou didst indeed know me in my fallen state ,
and Thou didst even then choose me for Thyself. When I was
loathsome and self-abhorred, Thou didst receive me as Thy child,
and Thou didst satisfy my craving wants. Blessed for ever be Thy
name for this free, rich, abounding mercy. Since then, my
inward experience has often been a wilderness; but Thou hast
owned me still as Thy beloved, and poured streams of love and
grace into me to gladden me, and make me fruitful. Yea, when my
outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have
wandered in a land of drought, Thy sweet presence has solaced
me. Men have not known me when scorn has awaited me, but Thou
hast known my soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the
lustre of Thy love. Most gracious Lord, I magnify Thee for all
Thy faithfulness to me in trying circumstances, and I deplore
that I should at any time have forgotten Thee and been exalted
in heart, when I have owed all to Thy gentleness and love. Have
mercy upon Thy servant in this thing!
My soul, if Jesus thus acknowledged thee in thy low estate,
be sure that thou own both Himself and His cause now that thou
art in thy prosperity. Be not lifted up by thy worldly successes
so as to be ashamed of the truth or of the poor church with
which thou hast been associated. Follow Jesus into the
wilderness: bear the cross with Him when the heat of persecution
grows hot. He owned thee, O my soul, in thy poverty and
shame--never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of Him. O for
more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved!
Jesus, my soul cleaveth to Thee.
"I'll turn to Thee in days of light,
As well as nights of care,
Thou brightest amid all that's bright!
Thou fairest of the fair!"