Morning    “And because of all this we make a sure covenant.”    Nehemiah 9:38

There are many occasions in our experience when we may very rightly, and with

benefit, renew our covenant with God. After recovery from sickness when, like

Hezekiah, we have had a new term of years added to our life, we may fitly do it.

After any deliverance from trouble, when our joys bud forth anew, let us again

visit the foot of the cross, and renew our consecration. Especially, let us do

this after any sin which has grieved the Holy Spirit, or brought dishonour upon

the cause of God; let us then look to that blood which can make us whiter than

snow, and again offer ourselves unto the Lord. We should not only let our

troubles confirm our dedication to God, but our prosperity should do

the same. If we ever meet with occasions which deserve to be called “crowning

mercies” then, surely, if he hath crowned us, we ought also to crown our God;

let us bring forth anew all the jewels of the divine regalia which have been

stored in the jewel-closet of our heart, and let our God sit upon the throne of

our love, arrayed in royal apparel. If we would learn to profit by our

prosperity, we should not need so much adversity. If we would gather from a kiss

all the good it might confer upon us, we should not so often smart under the

rod. Have we lately received some blessing which we little expected? Has the

Lord put our feet in a large room? Can we sing of mercies multiplied? Then this

is the day to put our hand upon the horns of the altar, and say, “Bind me here,

my God; bind me here with cords, even forever.” Inasmuch as we need the

fulfilment of new promises from God, let us offer renewed prayers that our old

vows may not be dishonoured. Let us this morning make with him a sure covenant,

because of the pains of Jesus which for the last month we have been considering

with gratitude.

 

Evening   “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and

the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”   Song of Solomon 2:12

Sweet is the season of spring: the long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate

its genial warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights.

After periods of depression of spirit, it is delightful to behold again the

light of the Sun of Righteousness; then our slumbering graces rise from their

lethargy, like the crocus and the daffodil from their beds of earth; then is our

heart made merry with delicious notes of gratitude, far more melodious than the

warbling of birds–and the comforting assurance of peace, infinitely more

delightful than the turtle’s note, is heard within the soul. Now is the time for

the soul to seek communion with her Beloved; now must she rise from her

native sordidness, and come away from her old associations. If we do not hoist

the sail when the breeze is favourable, we shall be blameworthy: times of

refreshing ought not to pass over us unimproved. When Jesus himself visits us in

tenderness, and entreats us to arise, can we be so base as to refuse his

request? He has himself risen that he may draw us after him: he now by his Holy

Spirit has revived us, that we may, in newness of life, ascend into the

heavenlies, and hold communion with himself. Let our wintry state suffice us for

coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a spring within, let our sap

flow with vigour, and our branch blossom with high resolve. O Lord, if it be not

spring time in my chilly heart, I pray thee make it so, for I am heartily weary

of living at a distance from thee. Oh! the long and dreary winter, when wilt

thou bring it to an end? Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! quicken thou me!

restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night I would earnestly implore the

Lord to take pity upon his servant, and send me a happy revival of spiritual

life!