October 14 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Psalm 38:11–22

Devotional

In the hour of trial and temptation, we frequently pray that God will not forsake us. But too often we forget that we need this prayer at all times. There is not a moment of our life, however holy, in which we can do without his constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation, we all need the prayer, “LORD, do not forsake me.” “Hold me up, that I may be safe” (Ps. 119:117). When a little child is learning to walk, he always needs his parents’ help. If a ship is deserted by its pilot, it drifts at once from its course. We cannot do without continued aid from above.

Let it therefore be your prayer today, “LORD, do not forsake me. O Father, do not forsake your child, lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. O Shepherd, do not forsake your lamb, lest he wander from the safety of the fold. O great Gardener, do not forsake your plant, lest it wither and die. Do not forsake me now, O Lord, and do not forsake me at any moment of my life. Do not forsake me in my joys, lest they absorb my heart. Do not forsake me in my sorrows, lest I murmur against you. Do not forsake me in the day of my repentance, lest I lose the hope of pardon and fall into despair. Do not forsake me in the day of my strongest faith, lest faith degenerate into presumption. Do not forsake me, for without you I am weak, but with you I am strong. Do not forsake me, for my path is dangerous, and full of snares, and I cannot do without your guidance. The hen does not forsake her brood; then please cover me evermore with your feathers, and permit me to find my refuge under your wings. ‘Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help’ (Ps. 22:11). ‘Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Saviour” (Ps. 27:9).

[May 25, morning]

Extracted from C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening (public domain), language modernized by Larry E. Wilson.