MORE GRACE

Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843)

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6 ESV)

The soul of a believer needs grace every moment. “By the grace of God I am what I am.” But there are times when he needs more grace that at other times. Just as the body continually needs food; but there are times when it needs food more than at others — times of great bodily exertion, when all powers are to be put forth.

Sometimes the soul of a believer is exposed to hot persecution. Reproach breaks the heart; or it beats like a scorching sun upon the head. “For my love they are my adversaries.” Sometimes they are God’s children who reproach us, and this is still harder to bear. The soul is ready to rest or sink under it.

Sometimes it is flattery that tempts the soul. The world speaks well of us, and we are tempted to pride and vanity. This is still worse to bear.

Sometimes Satan strives within us, by stirring up fearful corruptions, till there is a tempest within. Oh, is there a tempted soul that reads these words? Jesus prays for thee. You need more peace. Nothing but the oil of the Spirit will feed the fire of grace when Satan is casting water on it. Send up this cry, “Wilt thou not revive us again?” (“The Cry for Revival”)