Feb. 7
RETURN FROM BACKSLIDING
"If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up" Job 22:23
Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the
summary of many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you
down? Have you become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out
against you, so that in estate you are impoverished, and in Spirit you
are broken down? Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this
dilapidation? Then the first thing to be done is to return to the
Lord. With deep repentance and sincere faith find your way back from
your backsliding. It is your duty, for you have turned away from Him
whom you professed to serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive
against Him and prosper. It is your immediate necessity, for what He
has done is nothing compared to what He may do in the way of
chastisement, since He is Almighty to punish.
See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but
the Almighty can set up the fallen pillars, and restore the tottering
walls of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to
Him. Do not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on
to rebel; but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will
console you. Do this, and all will be well.