It may be hard for us to believe that God is going to use us in particular. He may use others, but can he use us? Our opposition to all our pride makes us reluctant to think it is so, but at the same time we must long to do great things for the Lord. We may have to wait long, we may have to suppress many selfish ambitions, but when he is ready to use us, he will make it clear. God urges us on by means of desires within, and the encouragement and confirmation of others from without.
After a period of backsliding, the soul becomes very depressed. Is God’s promise really for me? Would it not be presumption to claim it after all I have done? But there is no other way forward. We have no other remedy but to plead God’s mercy all over again. We bring our sins to Christ. We are always unworthy. We are not required to attain a certain level of righteousness before he will deal with us, and yet we must be willing to die to sin, and we must pray for that willingness to the one who upholds us with a willing spirit. Salvation is by grace from start to finish.
We remember God’s faithfulness; it is our lifeline. We remember specific instances when he has answered prayer and proved his faithfulness. Where do we find these? We look in Scripture where God has recorded many examples of his unfailing faithfulness to his people; we become students of church history where we see that God has remained faithful outside the pages of inspired Scripture; and we search our own personal history. If we have poor memories, we write these things down. So we compose ourselves, and tell him of his magnificence. By these means you will praise and have communion. Will this bring communion? This is communion with God.