From J. C. Philpot's Daily Portions
July 31 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 Wherever there is faith, there is desire; and as faith
embraces heavenly realities, desire embraces that of which faith testifies.
Now as the soul is wrought upon by a divine power, and faith is drawn forth
into blessed exercise upon the promises of which it is persuaded and which
it embraces, desire is kindled for their enjoyment. True religion is not a burdensome, painful, melancholy,
wearisome, and toilsome task or employment as many think. It has indeed its
trials, temptations, afflictions, cutting griefs, and depressing sorrows;
but it has its sweetness, its peace, its delights, and its enjoyments. And
it is the sweetness that we feel, the enjoyment that we have, and the
delighting ourselves in the things of God, which hold our head up and
encourage us still to persevere and travel on through the wilderness. It is not all bondage, nor distress of mind, nor sorrow
of heart, nor perplexity of soul which the heirs of promise feel. There are
sips and tastes, drops and crumbs, and momentary enjoyments, if not long nor
lasting, yet sweet when they come, sweet while they last, and sweet in the
recollection when they are gone. The Lord gives that which encourages,
strengthens, comforts, and delights, and enables us to see that there is
that beauty, blessedness, and glory in him which we have tasted, felt, and
handled, and which we would not part with for a thousand worlds.