September 22

The Lord God is a sun and shield.—Psalms 84:11.

DOES darkness ever reign without, or seem to prevail within? If so, then do I remember that God is a sun to enlighten; to turn the darkness into day, and safely to guide and direct me? Or if I fear danger, then do I look to him who is the shield of his people, to guard them from the fiery darts of the wicked? Do I ever seek to walk in the light of the Lord, that he may be my Guide and my Protector?

God may sometimes delay his promise, but he will not deny it. He may sometimes change it, but he will not break it. Though sometimes strokes or frowns may come, yet believe his love more than your own fears or feelings.—T. WATSON.

Heaven is a place of complete victory and glorious triumph. This is the battle-field; there is the triumphal procession. This is the land of the sword and spear; that of the wreath and the crown; this of the garment rolled in blood, and of the dust of the fight; that of the trumpet's joyous sound, and of the white robe, and the shout of everlasting conquest.—SPURGEON.

Feeble we are; we cannot war with sin;

Anoint Thou us, and we will march victorious.

Not till by grace we are renewed within,

Can we be soldiers, valiant, true and glorious.

Spirit divine, be thou my spirit's shield,

Then in the conflict never will I yield,

But the good fight will manfully maintain,

And so at last with Christ himself shall reign!

IS