September 1, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." — Psalm 73:24 · KJV

The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest it constantly lead him astray, he resolved that God's counsel should from now on guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step toward being wise, when it leads us to lean on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend's arm and reaches home in safety; so let us give ourselves up wholly to divine guidance, doubting nothing, assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. "Thou shalt" is a blessed word of confidence: the Psalmist was sure the Lord would not decline the condescending task. Here is a word for you, O believer — rest in it. Be assured that your God will be your counselor and friend; He will guide you and direct all your ways. In His written Word you have this assurance already fulfilled in part, for Holy Scripture is His counsel to you. Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What would the mariner be without his compass, and what would the Christian be without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map on which every shoal is marked, and all the channels — from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation — are laid down by One who knows all the way. Blessed be You, O God, that we may trust You to guide us now, and guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist looks for a divine welcome at last — "and afterward receive me to glory." What a thought for you, believer! God Himself will receive you to glory — you, wandering, erring, straying as you are, yet He will bring you safe at last to glory! This is your portion; live on it this day, and if perplexities surround you, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne.