9. Devotional: Waiting on Him

Devotional: Waiting on Him

Author: David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

    The prophet Samuel's command to King Saul was “Go to Gilgal and wait… I will come, and God will give you directions” (see 1 Samuel 10:8). 

    Saul’s only responsibility was to wait! God wanted to hear Saul say, “God keeps his word. Never once has a word from Samuel's lips fallen to the ground. God said I should wait for directions, and I will wait.”

    However, human pride often reasons, “God must not have meant it. Maybe I heard it wrong.” Instead of standing on God's word, we start trying to figure out things on our own. Lying in bed in the late hours, we say, “Lord, here's how I see it can be done.” It is wicked to do something very logical and reasonable when it is not God's clear word of direction. If you want to prove anything to God, prove you will patiently wait for him to act.

    “And Samuel said, ‘What have you done?’ Saul said, ‘When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed…. Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.’ And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which he commanded you…. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.’” (1 Samuel 13:11-14, NKJV).

    Saul waited seven days, but that wait was unholy. He was impatient, angry, fearful, and pouting. We must wait with faith, believing that God cares for us and loves us, that he will be there on his time. This matter of waiting is so important that I must show you some scriptures to prove it.

    “And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” (Isaiah 25:9).

    “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides you, who acts for the one who waits for him” (Isaiah 64:4).

    Dear believer, let us wait patiently and in full faith for God to move!

6. Devotional: My son, despise thou not the chastening of the Lord

Devotional: My son, despise thou not the chastening of the Lord
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

11. Devotional: Wait On the Lord, and He Shall Save Thee

Devotional: Wait On the Lord, and He Shall Save Thee

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

9. Devotional: O Israel, Thou Shall Not Be Forgotten of Me

Devotional: O Israel, Thou Shall Not Be Forgotten of Me

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

8. Devotional: The Lord is My Defence

Devotional: The Lord is My Defence

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

6. Devotional: Troubled? Try Praise!

Devotional: Troubled? Try Praise!

Author: Charles F. Stanley (1932-2023)

Through praise, we escape the oppressive emotions 

that often accompany hardship.

    Hardship is often accompanied by negative emotions such as fear, frustration, despair, and doubt. People ruled by these feelings are more likely to make poor choices. So it’s important to decide now to respond to adversity as the psalmist did—with a heart of praise.

    Even in the darkest hours, worship fills the heart with joy and the mind with peace. It also enlarges our vision so we begin to discern how the Lord is at work in the world, perhaps in ways we haven’t noticed before. We see what He’s doing in our life and detect areas where obedience is required.

    Our tendency is to plot a course through a situation toward the easiest solution. But believers who handle things on their own do not mature in their faith. They miss out on the blessings of following the Lord’s plan. Stopping to praise Him protects us and directs us to the right path—namely, the way of God’s will. Moving forward in faith can be frightening. However, we can confidently take a risk, knowing our omniscient, omnipotent God has His children’s best interest in mind (Jeremiah 29:11).

    It’s hard to despair while honoring God. We can dispel doubt by recalling His past faithfulness to us and ease frustration by committing our future to Him. Praise is not the obvious reaction to hardship, but it is the wisest response.

5. Devotional: Beside Me There is No Saviour

Devotional: Beside Me There is No Saviour

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

4. Devotional: Thou Art a Gracious and Merciful God

Devotional: Thou Art a Gracious and Merciful God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

3. Devotional: Is thy Counsellor Perished?

Devotional: Is thy Counsellor Perished?

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

2. Devotional: I Will Be a Father Unto You

Devotional: I Will Be a Father Unto You

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

1. Devotional: A Very Present Help in Trouble

Devotional: A Very Present Help in Trouble

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

    Religion is never so valuable as in seasons of trouble, sickness, or death. Then we want something which nature cannot supply; and this something true religion presents. Our God is our help in trouble. He helps us to bear it. He helps us to improve it. He helps us through it. His choicest communications and sweetest manifestations are afforded in times of trial and distress. Believer, your God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He is never nearer than when you fancy that he stands afar off; he is never kinder than when you think he has shut up his lovingkindness in displeasure. Do not doubt his love. Do not mistake his dealings. Do not listen to his foe. Do not forget his word. But remember, if trouble comes, grace comes with it; and your God is present to help you to rise above it, and to derive solid advantage from it. Believe, when you cannot see. Trust, when you do not feel. Wait, when you do not receive a message from God. Your good is consulted in every trouble, and your God will be glorified by every trial. The Lord of hosts is with you; the God of Jacob is your refuge. Therefore fear not, neither be dismayed.

Jehovah, thy refuge and rock,
In trouble, his help shall supply;
Though earth be removed with a shock,
Still God, the Redeemer, is nigh.

30. Devotional: We Are Saved by Hope

Devotional: We Are Saved by Hope
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

27. Devotional: Kept by the Power of God

Devotional: Kept by the Power of God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Kept by the power of God. (1 Pet. 1:5)

    All the Lord’s people feel that they need keeping, and therefore they pray to be kept. But it is not enough that we pray for keeping, we must believe the promises, expect their fulfilment, and seek for divine keeping in faith. The power of God is exerted on our behalf through faith. Believing we grasp the promise, keep near the throne, walk with God, and are kept in dangers and death. Unbelief departs from God, questions the promise, wanders from the throne, and we fall into folly and sin. “Take heed, therefore, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called TODAY; lest any hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” God will not keep you as brutes, but as rational beings; he will not hold you in with bit and bridle, as the driver does the horse or mule, but he will lead you as beloved children, and keep you as intelligent disciples. His power is pledged to you. But it is only pledged to believers. It is only pledged to believers as exercising faith, hope, and prayer.

See the power of God to save!
Jesu’s grace in me admire,
Kept, like Peter, on the wave,
Kept like Shadrach, in the fire:
Rescued from the Lion’s teeth,
Safe within the jaws of death!

26. Devotional: The Days of Thy Mourning Shall Be Ended

Devotional: The Days of Thy Mourning Shall Be Ended

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

23. Devotional: The Lord is Thy Keeper

Devotional: The Lord is Thy Keeper

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord is thy keeper. (Ps. 121:5)

    THE Lord's people are the objects of his constant care. They feel that they cannot keep themselves. They realize that they are exposed to many foes and dangers. They frequently put themselves into his hands for protection. They daily call upon him to be their keeper and guide. And they busily employ themselves in obeying his commands, and doing his will. The Lord is engaged to keep all such, and he is an omnipotent keeper. He will keep them at all times, and in all places. But he will especially keep them in times of peculiar danger, in seasons of heavy trouble, and in the midst of many fears. He will not keep them from trouble, but he will keep them from sinking under it. He will not keep them from being exercised with inward corruption, but he will keep them from being overcome by it. He will not keep them from temptations to apostacy and other sins, but he will keep them from going back into the world. In keeping them, he will employ his mighty angels, his special providence, his sacred word, and the operation of his Holy Spirit. He will keep them because he loves them, and because he can glorify himself by doing so.

Jesus is my sure defence. 
I all his care shall prove, 
Kept by his watchful providence,
And ever-waking love.

22. Devotional: Have Faith in God

Devotional: Have Faith in God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22)

    “WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM.” Our God has spoken. His Word is truth: believe it, plead it, expect the fulfilment of it. He cannot deceive you. His ear is open to you. Try Him. What do you want? Why do you want it? If you really need, if your motives are good, plead with God for it; expect Him to bestow it; and receive it as coming from Him. In every trial, for all you need, have faith in God. He will be gracious unto you. He is ever with you. He is ready to help you. He rejoices over you to do you good. His word is true from the beginning. He is the faithful God. He keepeth covenant and mercy. Believe in God for all that your circumstances require. Patiently wait His time for your supplies. Never stop praying or expecting because He delays: never doubt Him but trust in Him with all your heart. He is God, thy God; He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think. This is thy direction, thy duty, thy privilege: have faith in God. Walk with God, talk with God, expect from God, do all for God, be entirely devoted to God. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Therefore will I look unto the Lord.

Begone, unbelief! my Saviour is near,
And for my relief He’ll surely appear:
By prayer let me wrestle that He will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.

21. Devotional: I Will Surely Do Thee Good

Devotional: I Will Surely Do Thee Good
Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

I will surely do thee good. (Genesis 32:12)

    “I AM NOT WORTHY OF THE LEAST OF ALL (THY) MERCIES.” This was Jacob’s confession to the Lord in his prayer. God’s gracious promise to Jacob extends to us his spiritual seed. It is thus God speaks to us this morning. How gracious He is! We know not what a day may bring forth, but we know our God who superintends every event will do us good. We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and He makes no mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgement: "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." Thy God will do thee good, therefore He will try thee, sift thee, humble thee, and prove thee. He will give thee medicine as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive or too painful, if necessary for thy soul's welfare. Look at your trials and say, "This also shall turn to my salvation." Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life." Look to the future and rejoice, "The Lord will give that which is good." Look in every direction, and say, "I will trust and not be afraid."

I cannot doubt His bounteous love,
So full, so free, so kind;
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.

18. Devotional: A Dark Sabbath

Devotional: A Dark Sabbath

Author: Charles F. Stanley (1932-2023)

If God seems absent, remember the resurrection and know that joy is coming.

    Just as Christ once rested in the stern of a boat through a raging storm, His lifeless body lay in the tomb as storms raged within His disciples. A day after they saw Jesus die, their minds must have been filled with an endless cycle of fear, doubt, and grief. Memories of life with Him must have played there, too: how it felt to stand upon a rolling sea, to feed thousands with a few loaves and a couple of fish, to see a demon-possessed man restored to himself and his community, and to see Lazarus walk out of his tomb.

    The disciples’ feeble faith shouldn’t surprise us because, if we’re honest, we’re at times the same way. Those “of little faith,” as Jesus often called them, failed to believe or recall things the Lord said of Himself—especially that He’d lay down His life and take it up again. Had His followers held these things in their hearts, that Sabbath day might have been a time of joyful anticipation.

    At times in our life, God may seem absent, but ultimately we know He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). When we are tempted to rely on our own solutions, we need to recall the wonder-working power of Christ’s resurrection. If we are willing to wait through the darkness of night, we can rest in the knowledge that morning will surely come.

17. Devotional: Our sufficiency Is of God

Devotional: Our sufficiency Is of God

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

Our sufficiency is of God. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

    OUR LORD JESUS SAID, “WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.” With Him, we can do all things; without Him, nothing. He is our sufficiency. Let us think of this, whenever we are cast down on account of our weakness, or the difficulties we meet in our way. We are weak but Jesus is strong and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has given us His word that He will work in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure. He speaks and it is done. The word of the Lord knows no obstacles or difficulties; all things must obey Him. When He sent Moses to Pharaoh, He said, "Certainly I will be with thee:" and the Lord's presence was his strength. He acts just so with us; His fullness is our sufficiency; it is opened to us in Jesus, and we receive from it according to our wants, weakness, and faith. "Through God," said David, "I shall do valiantly." "I can do all things," said Paul, "through Christ which strengtheneth me." Look not then at your own emptiness or weakness; but look at what God is to His people, and what He has promised to give them, and sing, "Our sufficiency is of God." God is our refuge and strength; and as our days so shall our strength be. His grace is sufficient for us; His strength is made perfect in weakness.

When we cannot see our way,
We should trust and still obey;
He who bids us forward go
Will instruct the way to know.

14. Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord helped me. (Ps. 118:13)

    IF he had not, what would have become of me? Can we not bear this testimony this morning, "The Lord helped me." Yes, before I knew his name, before I sought his face, before I ventured my soul on the finished work of his beloved Son, he helped me. But since that happy period, in how many instances, in how many ways, by what a variety of instruments, has he helped me. If he had not, conviction would have driven me to despair; Satan would have led me captive at his will; inbred lusts would have gained the ascendency; my circumstances would have overbalanced me; and I had this day been a disgrace to religion, or have been shut up in hell. But he said, "I will help thee." And I have ever found him "a very present help in trouble." Here I lift up my Ebenezer, and, to the honour of his faithful love, say, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped me." Surely then I may with confidence conclude, that he will help me in time to come, and exclaim as David did, "Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul," (Ps. 54:4) Or rejoice and say, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."

My help is in the Lord; 
In danger he is near: 
He wears an all-victorious sword,
And will for me appear.