Morning, January 30, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly,” — 2 Samuel 5:24

The members of Christ’s Church should be very prayerful, always seeking the anointing of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that the kingdom of Christ may come, and that his “will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.” But, there are times when God seems particularly to favor Zion; such seasons ought to be to them like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.” We ought then to be twice as prayerful, twice as earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been inclined to do. Action should then be prompt and energetic. The tide is flowing–now let us pull strongly for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal works.

Christian, there are times yourself that you hear ” the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees.” You have a special power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are harnessed; you walk in the light of God’s countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your practice. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees,” is the time to stir yourself up; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helps your weaknesses. Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing–

“I can only spread the sail;

Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale.”

Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for lack of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more intense in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation while you live more closely with Christ.