Brethren, is God's strength in you? Do you say with Paul, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13)? Or are you fearful and anxious, despite God telling you, "do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10)?

When we rely on, and rest in, God for our strength, we are like springs, or clouds bringing rain, in a barren and desolate place.

Do not be moved by your circumstances. For "the Lord will give strength to His people" (Ps. 29:11). He has so promised, and He does not lie (Num. 4:29).

Let us, therefore, be as the cedars of Lebanon planted by God (Ps. 104:16), not easily swayed, but standing tall and powerful in the strength of the Lord, that we may show forth His greatness and glory, and "fill the wells" (Ps. 84:6) that others might find refreshment.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 13

"Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well, the rain also filleth the pools." Psalm 84:6

This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after. We read some book full of consolation, which is like Jonathan's rod, dropping with honey. Ah! we think our brother has been here before us, and digged this well for us as well as for himself. Many a "Night of Weeping," "Midnight Harmonies," an "Eternal Day," "A Crook in the Lot," a "Comfort for Mourners," has been a well digged by a pilgrim for himself, but has proved quite as useful to others. Specially we notice this in the Psalms, such as that beginning, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" Travellers have been delighted to see the footprint of man on a barren shore, and we love to see the waymarks of pilgrims while passing through the vale of tears.

The pilgrims dig the well, but, strange enough, it fills from the top instead of the bottom. We use the means, but the blessing does not spring from the means. We dig a well, but heaven fills it with rain. The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord. The means are connected with the end, but they do not of themselves produce it. See here the rain fills the pools, so that the wells become useful as reservoirs for the water; labour is not lost, but yet it does not supersede divine help.

Grace may well be compared to rain for its purity, for its refreshing and vivifying influence, for its coming alone from above, and for the sovereignty with which it is given or withheld. May our readers have showers of blessing, and may the wells they have digged be filled with water! Oh, what are means and ordinances without the smile of heaven! They are as clouds without rain, and pools without water. O God of love, open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing!

Psalms Chapter 63 and 64
https://substack.com/home/post/p-173507624

Good Morning Everyone

Silent Warrior

He rides the horse through endless skies,
his shadow merging where the eagle flies.
A spear that gleams like a vow untold,
to guard the land, the hearts it holds.

No one hears the tears he hides,
only fire burning in his eyes.
Upon his shoulders, ancestors rest,
their whispered oaths beat in his chest.

Though mist and time may veil the ground,
He keeps the sacred circle bound.
For this land is blood and flame,
a spirit that shall not wane.

O silent warrior, lone and true,
the winds still carry your promise through.
To guard this earth, both root and wing,
forever bound to the sacred ring.

Serin Alar