August 14, Morning
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work." — Psalm 92:4 · KJV
Do you believe your sins are forgiven, and that Christ has made full atonement for them? Then what a joyful Christian you ought to be! How you should live above the common trials and troubles of the world! Since sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have but forgiven me, smite as hard as You will"; and in the same spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution — what You will; You have forgiven me, and my soul is glad." Christian, if you are thus saved, then, while you are glad, be grateful and loving. Cling to the cross that took your sin away; serve Him who served you. "I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Do not let your zeal evaporate in some little burst of song; show your love in plain tokens. Love the brethren of Him who loved you. If there is a Mephibosheth anywhere, lame or halt, help him for Jonathan's sake. If there is a poor tried believer, weep with him and bear his cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins. Since you are freely forgiven for Christ's sake, go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy; be not content with this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone, but publish abroad the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be a pulpit for you. Cheerful holiness is the most powerful of sermons — but the Lord must give it to you. Seek it this morning before you go into the world; and when it is the Lord's work in which we rejoice, we need not fear being too glad.