August 15, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide." — Genesis 24:63 · KJV

Isaac's occupation was truly admirable. If those who spend so many hours in idle company, light reading, and useless pastimes could learn wisdom, they would find better society and more interesting employment in meditation than in the vanities that now charm them. We would all know more, live nearer to God, and grow in grace, if we were more often alone. Meditation chews the cud and draws the real nourishment from the mental food gathered elsewhere; and when Jesus is the theme, meditation is sweet indeed. Isaac found Rebecca while engaged in private musings, and many others have found their best beloved there. The choice of place was admirable too. In the field we have a study hung round with texts for thought. From the cedar to the hyssop, from the soaring eagle to the chirping grasshopper, from the blue expanse of heaven to a drop of dew, all things are full of teaching; and when the eye is divinely opened, that teaching flashes on the mind far more vividly than any written book. Our little rooms are neither so healthy, so suggestive, nor so inspiring as the open fields. Let us count nothing common or unclean, but feel that all created things point to their Maker, and the field is at once hallowed. The season was admirable as well. Sunset, drawing its veil over the day, suits that repose of soul when earthborn cares give way to the joys of heavenly communion; the glory of the setting sun stirs our wonder, and the solemnity of approaching night awakens our awe. If the day's business allows, dear reader, it will be well if you can spare an hour to walk in the field at evening; but if not, the Lord is in the town too, and will meet you in your room or in the crowded street. Let your heart go out to meet Him.