February 4, 2024

February 4: Heavenly Happiness

God Is Pleased When We Seek the Savior.
Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!--Psalm 40:13, NKJV

THE SAVIOUR LONGS to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world.  It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy.  Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb.  Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is complete, and "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied."  Isaiah 53:11.--The Desire of Ages, 827.

Desponding soul, take courage, even though you have done wickedly.  Do not think that perhaps God will pardon your transgressions and permit you to come into His presence.  God has made the first advance.  While you were in rebellion against Him, He went forth to seek you.  With the tender heart of the shepherd He left the ninety and nine and went out into the wilderness to find that which was lost.  The soul, bruised and wounded and ready to perish, He encircles in His arms of love and joyfully bears it to the fold of safety.--Christ's Object Lessons, 188.

                                             For evils have encompassed me
                                                             beyond number;
                                            my iniquities have overtaken me,
                                                             and I cannot see;
                                         they are more than the hairs of my head;
                                                            my heart fails me.
                                             Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
                                              O Lord, make haste to help me!
                              
                                                          --Psalm 40:12, 13, ESV