Morning & Evening – June 17, 2026 | Spurgeon Devotional

Morning

Scripture

Help, Lord.

— Psalm 12:1 (ESV)

Devotional

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication—when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word “help” is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner.

The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of “Help, Lord,” to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. “Help, Lord,” will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to him.

The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character assures us that he will not leave his people; his relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us his aid; his gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and his sure promise stands, “Fear not, I will help thee.”

Reflection

Spurgeon highlights the beauty and power of the short, direct prayer “Help, Lord.” It is not long or rambling but honest, specific, and full of faith. David felt his weakness and the failure of human help, so he turned immediately to the only One who could truly help. The word “help” itself implies that we are to do what we can; it is not a prayer for those who are idle. Spurgeon lists many occasions when this cry is fitting: providential afflictions, doctrinal difficulties, inward conflicts, labor in the Lord’s work, and the alarms of seeking sinners. In every circumstance of life, “Help, Lord” is sufficient because our help is found in him.

The key is sincerity offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character, his covenant relationship, his gift of Christ, and his sure promises all guarantee that the answer will come. The believer is encouraged never to be slack in crying to the One who has pledged, “Fear not, I will help thee.”

Goad

Am I thus crying the short, honest, direct prayer “Help, Lord” in my real weaknesses and needs, or do I rely on long explanations, human helpers, or my own efforts first? What would it look like to run straight to God with my needs today, expecting his certain aid through Jesus?

Evening

Scripture

Then Israel sang this song, “Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it.”

— Numbers 21:17 (ESV)

Devotional

Famous was the well of Beer in the wilderness, because it was the subject of a promise: “That is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” The people needed water, and it was promised by their gracious God. We need fresh supplies of heavenly grace, and in the covenant the Lord has pledged himself to give all we require. The well next became the cause of a song. Before the water gushed forth, cheerful faith prompted the people to sing; and as they saw the crystal fount bubbling up, the music grew yet more joyous. In like manner, we who believe the promise of God should rejoice in the prospect of divine revivals in our souls, and as we experience them our holy joy should overflow. Are we thirsting? Let us not murmur, but sing. Spiritual thirst is bitter to bear, but we need not bear it—the promise indicates a well; let us be of good heart, and look for it. Moreover, the well was the centre of prayer. “Spring up, O well.” What God has engaged to give, we must enquire after, or we manifest that we have neither desire nor faith. This evening let us ask that the Scripture we have read, and our devotional exercises, may not be an empty formality, but a channel of grace to our souls. O that God the Holy Spirit would work in us with all his mighty power, filling us with all the fulness of God. Lastly, the well was the object of effort. “The nobles of the people digged it with their staves.” The Lord would have us active in obtaining grace. Our staves are ill adapted for digging in the sand, but we must use them to the utmost of our ability. Prayer must not be neglected; the assembling of ourselves together must not be forsaken; ordinances must not be slighted. The Lord will give us his peace most plenteously, but not in a way of idleness. Let us, then, bestir ourselves to seek him in whom are all our fresh springs.

Reflection

Spurgeon draws rich lessons from the well of Beer. It was first a promise, then the cause of a song, then the centre of prayer, and finally the object of effort. God had pledged the water; cheerful faith sang before it appeared; the people prayed “Spring up, O well”; and the nobles dug with their staves. Grace is promised in the covenant, but the believer is not to be passive. We are to sing in prospect, pray with desire and faith, and use every means with diligence. The Lord gives most plenteously, but not in a way of idleness.

The application is practical: our devotional exercises, prayer, gathering with the saints, and use of the ordinances are the “staves” by which we dig. When we bestir ourselves in these ways, we find the well springing up and our souls filled.

Goad

Am I thus singing, praying, and making diligent effort for fresh supplies of grace, or have I become passive, waiting for the well to appear without using the means God has appointed? What would it look like today to bestir myself with staves in hand so that the well may spring up in my soul?

Tie-In

The morning’s short cry “Help, Lord” and the evening’s call to sing, pray, and dig for the well both teach active dependence on God. Help is certain when sincerely sought through Jesus, and grace is pledged but must be sought with cheerful faith and effort. This is the Milk of simple, childlike trust combined with diligence. For those ready for Solid Food and Meat, these pictures point toward the doctrines of prayer, the means of grace, and the believer’s responsibility in sanctification within the framework of sovereign grace. The deeper tables on the site develop how such dependence and effort work together in the Christian life.

Closing

Spurgeon’s classic text with AI-assisted reflection and formatting to maintain daily consistency and reach.

If these words have stirred something in your heart today, we invite you to sit with it. Share how God met you in the comments or reach out to us.

As we build out the deeper tables of Milk, Solid Food, and Meat for every stage of the journey, know that you are welcome here.

NewGrapes Ministries
Making disciples, not pew-fillers.
Soli Deo Gloria.