“And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.” Genesis 1:5
Even in the beginning, did light and darkness divide the realm of time in the first day? From today’s scripture reading we can see that it did. Therefore it’s little wonder that we also have changes in our circumstances, wavering from the sunshine of prosperity to the midnight of adversity. My world will not always blaze brightly like the sun of noon. I must expect, at times, to mourn the absence of my former joys, and seek my Beloved God in the night.
I am not alone in this, for all the Lord’s beloved ones have had to sing the blended song of judgment and of mercy, of trial and deliverance, of sadness and of delight. It is God’s foresight that day and night will not disappear, either in the spiritual or natural creation, until we reach the land of which it is written, “there is no night there.” What our heavenly Father prepares for us is wise and good.
What, my friend, is it best for you to do? First learn to be content with God’s providence, and be willing, with Job, to receive from the hand of the Lord as He choose, both in the morning and the evening.
Next, study God’s Word and train yourself to make both the morning and the evening opportunities to rejoice. Praise the Lord for the sun of joy when it rises, and for the gloom of evening as it falls, because there is beauty both in sunrise and sunset. Sing of it like the nightingale, and glorify the Lord at all hours. Believe that the night is as useful as the day.
The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of promise shine gloriously amid the darkness of grief. Continue your service in all situations. If in the day you work, at night instead work at quiet contemplation and meditation on God’s Word. Every hour has its purpose, so continue in your calling as the Lord’s servant until He suddenly appears in His glory.
My friend, even if your evening of old age and death is drawing near, do not dread it in the least, for it is part of the day, and the Lord has promised to protect and love you all the day long.
Question: Are you going through an “evening” right now? Where will you turn for support and comfort?
By Charles H. Spurgeon
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
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