Evening, July 1, adapted from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” — Genesis 3:8

My friend, now that the cool of the day has come, rest awhile and respond to the voice of your God. He is always ready to speak with you when you are prepared to hear. If there’s any slowness to fellowship it is not on his part, but all together on your own, for he stands at the door and knocks, and if his people will only open he rejoices to enter. But in what state is my heart, which is my Lord’s garden? May I venture to hope that it is well trimmed and watered, and is bringing forth fruit suitable for him? If not, he will have much to reprimand, but still I beg him to come to me, for nothing can so certainly bring my heart into a right condition as the presence of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing in his wings. Come, therefore, Lord, my God, my soul invites you resolutely, and waits for you eagerly. Come to me, Jesus, my much beloved, and plant fresh flowers in my garden, such as I see blooming in such perfection in your matchless character! Come, my Father, who is the cultivator, and deal with me in your tenderness and prudence! Come, Holy Spirit, and water afresh my whole nature, as the herbs are now moistened with the evening dew. Oh, that God would speak to me. Speak, Lord, for your servant hears! Oh, that he would walk with me; I am ready to give up my whole heart and mind to him, and every other thought is quieted. I am only asking what he delights to give. I am sure that he will condescend to have fellowship with me, for he has given me his Holy Spirit to abide with me forever. Sweet is the cool twilight, when every star seems like the eye of heaven, and the cool wind is as the breath of celestial love. My Father, my elder Brother, my sweet Comforter, speak now in loving kindness, for you have opened my ears and I will not rebel.