July 16 — Morning

Labour to maintain a sense of your entire dependence upon the Lord's good will and pleasure for the continuance of your richest enjoyments. Never try to live on the old manna, nor seek to find help in Egypt. All must come from Jesus, or you art undone for ever. Old anointings will not suffice to impart unction to your spirit; your head must have fresh oil poured upon it from the golden horn of the sanctuary, or it will cease from its glory. To-day you may be upon the summit of the mount of God, but He who has put you there must keep you there, or you will sink far more speedily than you dreamest. Your mountain only stands firm when He settles it in its place; if He hide His face, you will soon be troubled. If the Saviour should see fit, there is not a window through which you seest the light of heaven which He could not darken in an instant. Joshua bade the sun stand still, but Jesus can shroud it in total darkness. He can withdraw the joy of your heart, the light of your eyes, and the strength of your life; in His hand your comforts lie, and at His will they can depart from you. This hourly dependence our Lord is determined that we shall feel and recognize, for He only permits us to pray for "daily bread," and only promises that "as our days our strength shall be." Is it not best for us that it should be so, that we may often repair to His throne, and constantly be reminded of His love? Oh! how rich the grace which supplies us so continually, and does not refrain itself because of our ingratitude! The golden shower never ceases, the cloud of blessing tarries evermore above our habitation. O Lord Jesus, we would bow at Your feet, conscious of our utter inability to do anything without You, and in every favour which we are privileged to receive, we would adore Your blessed name and acknowledge Yours unexhausted love.