DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Now do we hoist sail and draw up anchor to sail into another day. O blessed Pilot of the future as of the past, we are so happy to leave all to you; but in leaving all to you we have one wish, and it is that you would in the rest of this year glorify the Father’s name in us more than in any other year of our lives.
Perhaps this may involve deeper trial, but let it be if we can glorify God. Perhaps this may involve the being cast aside from the service that we love; but we would prefer to be laid aside if we could glorify you the better. Perhaps this may involve the ending of all life’s pleasant work and the being taken home—well, your children make no sort of stipulations with their God, but this one prayer ascends from all true hearts this morning, “Father, glorify your name.”
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“Jesus told him, ‘It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.’” (Matthew 4:7)
Some people are engaged in activities that are hazardous to their immortal souls. They are in the midst of evil, yet they say God can keep them in safety there. Yes he can, but I also know we have no right to go voluntarily where we are surrounded by temptation. If we are continually tempted in various situations, we may not presume upon the goodness of God to keep us, for it is our business to get as far as we can from what will lead us into sin.
God does not put his servants on the pinnacle of the temple; the devil puts them there. And if they ever are there, the best thing they can do is to get down as quickly and as safely as they can. But they must not cast themselves down. They must look to him who alone can bring them down safely. With some who claim to be Christians, presumption is a common sin.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Spurgeon’s hope for depressed people
Many people don’t realize that Spurgeon was plagued with crippling depression throughout his life and ministry. Throughout this struggle, Spurgeon cultivated a deep, Christ-centered hope that allowed him to continue to live and minister. We all have something to learn from Spurgeon.
You can learn more about Spurgeon’s struggle with depression — and the hope that kept him through it —in Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine. This book isn’t just a biography of Spurgeon — it describes lessons that we can learn from his real battle with depression.
Spurgeon’s Sorrows is a great resource for anyone who struggles with depression, and it’s a great Christ-centered gift that you can buy for someone else who is struggling.