TDR: 19 March (Psalm 30:5)

‘In His favour is life’ (Psalm 30:5)

That is, in the favour of God in Christ. If He has favour towards us, all will be well; And He has! As a proof of His favour He gave Jesus for us, and to us; He sent the Holy Spirit to quicken, teach and sanctify us. By believing we enter into the enjoyment of His favour: and enjoying His favour we learn to despise all that is opposed to it.

Our spiritual life flowed from His favour; our happiness stands in the enjoyment of His favour; and heaven will be the full display and realisation of His favour. To His favour we ascribe all our present comfort and future hopes. By the favour of God we are what we are. By His favour we are saved.

This is the source of every good, the joy of every true believer’s heart. Let us endeavour to ascertain beyond a doubt, that we are the favourites of God; let us prize His favour above thousands of gold and silver; and let our daily prayer be, “Remember me, O  Lord, with the favour  You have toward  Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation, That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance” [Psalm 106:4-5]. Amen, even so, Lord Jesus.

Early, my God! Without delay,
I haste to seek thy face;
My thirsty spirit faints away,
Without thy cheering grace.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘It did appear the Lord was showing me hard things, for all my best intentions were frustrated or diverted. My prayers were denied, my enemies were encouraged and emboldened; only one thing cheered me, it was that only the most carnal of the professing family appeared opposed to me. These the Lord often used as a rod, to correct his children for their folly, and to drive them nearer to himself, and make them more obedient. However, the Lord has been shining upon me in providence, as he generally does when I am distressed and disturbed as I have been of late.’