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Today's Devotional

I will cure you of backsliding—Jeremiah 3:22 (NIV).

Sin brings sickness. The believer can only be healthful as he walks with God, lives above the world, and looks for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the feet of Jesus we are safe, and shall be healthy; but if we wander from him, spiritual disease will seize upon us.

The backslider feels too weak to run in the way of God’s commands; too confused to read his interest in God’s promises; too guilty to call God Father; too wretched to rejoice in hope. He has no liberty in prayer: no enjoyment of his Bible; no peace in his conscience; no delight in God’s ways. But the Lord says, “Return, ye backsliding children; I WILL HEAL YOUR BACKSLIDINGS.” This is a message from the Great PHYSICIAN, an invitation from our Father’s throne, a promise of our Savior’s love.

Oh, let us return unto him with weeping and supplication, adopting David’s prayer as our own, “Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you.” Let us take up the determination of the church, “Behold, we come unto thee, for you are the Lord our God.” He will receive us graciously, and love us freely.

About the author and the source

Rev. James Smith was a Baptist preacher and the predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London (1841–1850). His devotional, The Believer’s Daily Remembrancer, was so popular, it had gone through 38 editions by 1864.