I slept for less than two hours and then I couldn’t get back to sleep. I can usually sleep anywhere anytime! I have always wondered about those people who, within three seconds of waking up in the night, piously report that they pray, or read their Bible. That is not usually me. My habit, on those rare occasions, is to get going on some unfinished work or writing. Today I promised I would start first with a brief daily devotional from C. H. Spurgeon’s Evening by Evening. It led me to a phrase in Isaiah 58. In minutes I was consumed with the entire chapter. Here are a few of the lessons learned. by the way, is there such a thing as “God inspired insomnia”? Good chapter for a new year don’t you think?

Isaiah 58:11 = The Lord will guide you always. Not sometimes, not now and then, but continually. Moses said that without the Lord’s presence we might as well stay where we are! Exodus 33:14,15 = The Lord replied: My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest … Then Moses said, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”  The Lord’s presence in the future implies that we have experienced it now. The next adventure launches out of today’s experience with God. Hebrews 13:5 = I will never leave you nor forsake you. C. H. Spurgeon = If you have to change your position in life; if you have to emigrate to distant shores; if you are cast into poverty or suddenly promoted to a more responsible position; if you are thrown among strangers or cast among foes, do not fear for the Lord shall guide you continually, a perpetual leader.”  Strength and satisfaction and success come with God’s presence (Isaiah 58:11, 12). Your stability tomorrow begins with your spirituality today. (all of Isaiah 58)