Devotional: The Certainty of God’s Presence

[I have enjoyed the Morning and Evening devotionals of the late 1800’s Particular Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, but find them a bit archaic in presentation. So I have re-written them in more modern fashion for modern ears, in some cases even modifying them.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. (Psalm 73:23)

“Nevertheless,”–As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which the psalmist had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that he was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God’s presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings “nevertheless I am continually with You.” Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph’s confession and acknowledgment, and endeavor in like spirit to say “nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!” By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;–the eye of the Lord never sleeps, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me from there. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart forever.

You always think of me, O God. The bowels of your love continually yearn towards me. You are always making providence work for my good. You have set me as a signet upon your arm; your love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! You see me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, you behold me as wearing Christ’s garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in your presence. I am thus continually in your favor–“continually with You.” Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within–look at the calm without. “Nevertheless”–O say it in your heart, and take the peace it gives. “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”