Read: Romans 8:14-17
You have received no slavish spirit that would make you relapse into ]ear; you have received the Spirit of sonship (Romans 8:15, Moffatt).
Continuing Assurance
We saw yesterday that lack of assurance is normally God’s warning that we are close to spiritual trouble. But this is not always so. Sometimes we have extended periods when there is no assuring witness of God’s presence even when we are being as faithful to Him as we know how to be. What shall we do in these hours of emotional uncertainty? Move closer to Jesus, and determine to trust Him more.
The most important part of Christian growth is establishing an unshakable confidence that, as long as we propose to walk with God, He will always be there to walk with us. We do not need always to be checking up to find out if He is there. Paul reminds us, “You have received no slavish spirit that would make you relapse into fear.”
In our highest personal relationships we have assurance without constantly seeking it. A faithful husband has no slavish spirit of fear regarding the love of his wife. Having received the promise of that love, he lives confidently in it and for it. He often tries to express his love for her; he is thrilled when out of her heart she assures him, “I am yours, always yours.” But something destructive happens when he presses for this assurance. The very confidence that he seeks is destroyed when he asks, “Do you love me? How can I be sure that you love me?”
When we are uncertain, let us first look to our relationships to God. If they are right, let us tell God that we love Him, that we intend to walk with Him to the end of our days, no matter how we feel. When we do this, His response and reassurance are never far away.
Affirmation For Today
My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine.
— Wm. R. Featherstone