What will Jesus do with someone like me, erring, treacherous, and sometimes possibly even traitorous? How many forgotten vows there have been, how many unfulfilled promises, and how many prayerless days have there been? And how often have I, as a reed, succumbed to the first blast of temptation? And how often have I, as a burning flax wick, been well-near quenched by guilty omissions and even guiltier commissions? Oh, my soul, you may be low indeed, but your Savior will not give you over unto death! The reed may be bruised, but he will not break it. The flax may be reduced to a smoking ember, but He will fan the decaying flame!

Knowing then that He will not give you up, why wound your loving Savior’s heart with repeated declensions? Instead, go mourn your weakness and unbelief, crying unto Him, the strong One, for the needed strength. Weary and faint one, you have an omnipotent, an everlasting arm, to lean on. He “neither faints nor is weary” (Isa. 40:28). Listen to His gracious assurance: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). Then leaving all false props and refuges, may you be able to say, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust” (Ps. 18:2). God’s word in Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us how to do this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”