Say Unto My Soul, I Am Thy Salvation
David's prayer for assurance reminds us to seek a divine testimony in our souls, valuing it above all else, and to cultivate a personal and present sense of God's love.
C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the prayer 'Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation,' emphasizing that even David experienced doubts and fears, which reassures believers that they are not alone in their struggles with faith. He highlights the importance of seeking assurance from God through prayer, valuing it as essential for spiritual well-being. Spurgeon encourages believers to pursue a personal and vivid assurance of salvation, reminding them that true contentment comes from a divine testimony to their souls. He stresses the necessity of being alone with God to cultivate a clear sense of His love and presence. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, personal connection with God, where believers can confidently claim His salvation.
Text
What does this sweet prayer teach me? It shall be my evening's petition; but first let it yield me an instructive meditation. The text informs me first of all that David had his doubts; for why should he pray, "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation," if he were not sometimes exercised with doubts and fears? Let me, then, be of good cheer, for I am not the only saint who has to complain of weakness of faith. If David doubted, I need not conclude that I am no Christian because I have doubts.
The text reminds me that David was not content while he had doubts and fears, but he repaired at once to the mercy-seat to pray for assurance; for he valued it as much fine gold. I too must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul. When my Bridegroom is gone from me, my soul must and will fast. I learn also that David knew where to obtain full assurance. He went to his God in prayer, crying, "Say unto my soul I am thy salvation."
I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love. Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim. Much in prayer, much in heaven; slow in prayer, slow in progress. I notice that David would not be satisfied unless his assurance had a divine source. "Say unto my soul." Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian. Moreover, David could not rest unless his assurance had a vivid personality about it.
"Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." Lord, if Thou shouldst say this to all the saints, it were nothing, unless Thou shouldst say it to me. Lord, I have sinned; I deserve not Thy smile; I scarcely dare to ask it; but oh! say to my soul, even to my soul, "I am thy salvation." Let me have a present, personal, infallible, indisputable sense that I am Thine, and that Thou art mine.
Sermon Outline
-
David's Doubts and Fears
- David prayed for assurance despite his doubts
- He valued assurance as much as fine gold
-
The Source of Assurance
- David went to God in prayer for assurance
- He sought a divine testimony in his soul
-
The Nature of Assurance
- Assurance must have a divine source
- It must be personal and vivid
-
The Christian's Desire
- The Christian longs for a present sense of salvation
- They desire a personal, infallible, and indisputable sense of God's love
Key Quotes
“I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Lord, do Thou say it ! Nothing short of a divine testimony in the soul will ever content the true Christian.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- As a Christian, I must labour after an abiding sense of my acceptance in the Beloved, and must have no joy when His love is not shed abroad in my soul.
- I must be much alone with God if I would have a clear sense of Jesus' love.
- Let my prayers cease, and my eye of faith will grow dim, so I must continue to pray and seek a deeper relationship with God.