Thoughts from this morning's devotion...

One of my favorite devotional books that I continually return to is the famous "Morning & Evening Daily Readings" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  Spurgeon was a well-known reformed preacher who lived back in the nineteenth century.  His testimony of salvation as well of his dedication to preaching the gospel has continued to affect many people all over the world.  Even after all these years, his life of servitude continues to have an amazing impact on many believers.  I myself am one of them.  There are several times that I have read his devotions and have found my heart to be greatly overwhelmed with such intense emotions.  Sometimes my heart is overcome with a joy in Christ that only the Holy Spirit can grant, but then there are those times that my heart is deeply convicted because the words he has written have pierced my soul.  This morning's devotion for June 15th reminded me of how a sinner saved by grace should never cease in rejoicing over their salvation.  Read the words of Spurgeon...

"I, who once despaired, as well I might, for my nature was dry, and withered, and barren, and accursed as a howling wilderness, even I have been made to bring forth fruit unto holiness. Well may my mouth be filled with joyous laughter, because of the singular, surprising grace which I have received of the Lord, for I have found Jesus, the promised seed, and He is mine forever.  This day I will lift up psalms of triumph unto the Lord who has remembered my low estate, for 'my heart rejoiceth in the Lord; mine horn is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, because I rejoice in Thy salvation."

In reading these words, I am reminded of who I was before the Lord saved me.  I believe many Christians forget what it is means to rejoice in their salvation and how the Lord has brought them out of darkness and into the light.  Many times we are still finding ourselves downcast because the cares of this life seem so burdensome.  If we look to Christ, we once again will taste the splendor of being His elect, a people who are in constant need of His mercy and grace.