Friday, May 11, 2012
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
"Only be thou strong and very courageous."—Joshua 1:7.
UR God's
tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their
inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. Some esteem it a
small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God
thinks not so. From this text it is plain that our Master would not have
us entangled with fears. He would have us without carefulness, without
doubt, without cowardice. Our Master does not think so lightly of our
unbelief as we do. When we are desponding we are subject to a grievous
malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved
Physician. Our Lord loveth not to see our countenance sad. It was a law
of Ahasuerus that no one should come into the king's court dressed in
mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come
mourning as we are; but still He would have us put off the spirit of
heaviness, and put on the garment of praise, for there is much reason to
rejoice. The Christian man ought to be of a courageous spirit, in order
that he may glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If
he be fearful and fainthearted, it will dishonour his God. Besides, what a bad example it is.
This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which
soon spreads amongst the Lord's flock. One downcast believer makes
twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up Satan will be too much for you.
Let your spirit be joyful in God your Saviour, the joy of the Lord
shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against
you: but cowardice throws down the banner. Moreover, labour is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness.
The man who toils, rejoicing in his God, believing with all his heart,
has success guaranteed. He who sows in hope shall reap in joy;
therefore, dear reader, "be thou strong, and very courageous."Well, Um Tulip needed this message today. Cultural Whiplash has descended into extreme frustration. Career, housing, and education for our children are all changing at this time. I have struggled with insomnia and anxiety, and have certainly not felt very strong or courageous. I am thankful for a God that does not see my struggle as a small thing, yet is ever present. If you are one of my few but faithful readers who prays, please pray this into my life, and any other friend you know who is discouraged. May we all reap in joy!
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