Pray with Spurgeon

Daily Newsletter from SpurgeonBooks

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

He who has the Lord as his God is at home even when he is abroad, he is well guarded even when he has none upon earth to protect him, and he can go to sleep in calm confidence when others would be disturbed in mind and too timid to close their eyes.

PRAY FOR THE NATIONS

This week, we’re praying for the Pacoh of Laos.

The Gospels of Mark and John were translated into their language in the 1960’s, but most Pacoh cannot read.

Pray that missionaries would return to Laos to share the message of Christ.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Stay faithful to Christ in midlife*

For many Christians, our 50’s and 60’s are decades characterized by spiritual backsliding rather than spiritual growth. While you may not have the same youthful energy to serve God in this season, you DO have unique opportunities to serve God in it.

Not Old, Not Young, Not Done is a new book about what it looks like to follow Jesus in your 50’s and 60’s. This book is faithful to Scripture (from beginning to end, it’s packed with solid Bible teaching) and will challenge you to remain faithful throughout midlife.

The book brings the full force of the Bible’s wisdom to bear on a number of challenging topics, always calling you to fix your eyes on Christ. Here’s just a few of the topics addressed:

• Caring for elderly parents

• How to think about and plan for retirement

• Maintaining friendships

• Pursuing healthy relationships with adult kids

• Keeping your prayer life exciting

• Navigating menopause

I know God is going to do great things in your life as his Word is unfolded and his glory is revealed through this book — I can’t wait to hear about it!

Order Not Old, Not Young, Not Done at a discount with code SPURGEON.

FAITH’S CHECKBOOK

Spurgeon’s classic devotional, The Chequebook of the Bank of Faith, contains a promise of God for every day of the year. Pray with Spurgeon Plus subscribers receive the daily readings every weekday.

If you want to strengthen your faith in God’s promises (and support this ministry!), subscribe to Pray with Spurgeon Plus here.

“You will no longer be called Deserted.” (Isaiah 62:4)

“Deserted” is a dreary word. It sounds like a death knell. It is the record of sharpest sorrows and the prophecy of direst ills. An abyss of misery yawns in that word “deserted.” Deserted by one who pledged his honor! Deserted by a tried and trusted friend! Deserted by a dear relative! Deserted by father and mother! Deserted by all! This is woe indeed and yet it may be patiently endured if the Lord will take us up.

But what must it feel like to be deserted by God? Think of that bitterest of cries, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46). Have we ever in any degree tasted the wormwood and the gall of “Deserted,” in that sense? If so, let us beg our Lord to save us from ever repeating that kind of unspeakable sorrow. May such darkness never return! People may have said about a saint, “God has deserted him; persecute and take him,” but it was always false. The Lord’s loving favor shall compel our cruel foes to eat their own words, or, at least, to hold their tongues.

God reverses our desertion: “You will no longer be called Deserted, and your land will not be called Desolate; instead, you will be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be married” (Isaiah 62:4). This turns weeping into dancing. Let those who dreamed that they were deserted hear the Lord say, “I will never leave you or abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Something to think about today if you’re feeling abandoned by other people: The Lord will never leave you or forsake you.