A reading of Anglican priest Robert Hawker’s (1753–1827) morning devotional writings from “The Poor Man’s Morning and Evening Portion.”
The music for this reading is “American Crow” by Chad Crouch and was adapted for length under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?— Matt. 14:31.
My soul! how sweet is it to eye Jesus in all things, and to be humbled in the recollection of his compassions to thy unaccountable instances of unbelief, after the many, nay continued, and daily experiences which thou hast had of his love and faithfulness. And doth thy Jesus speak to thee this day, in those expostulating words, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” What answer wilt thou return? Is there any thing in thy life to justify, or even to apologize, for doubting? Look back—behold thy God and Father’s grace, and mercy, and love! A Saviour so rich, so compassionate, so answering all wants, in spirituals, temporals, and eternals! A blessed Spirit, so condescending to teach, to lead, and, by his influences, to be continually with thee! Surely a life like thine, crowded with mercies, blessings upon blessings, and one miracle of grace followed by another—wherefore shouldst thou doubt? What shall I say to thee, oh thou that art the hope of Israel, and the Saviour thereof! Lord! give me to believe, and help thou mine unbelief. I beseech thee, my God and Saviour, give me henceforth faith to trust thee when I cannot trace thee: give me to hang upon thee when the ground of all sensible comforts seems sinking under my feet. I would cling to the faithfulness of my God in Christ, and throw my poor arms around thee, thou blessed Jesus! when all things appear the most dark and discouraging. And thus, day by day, living a life of faith and whole dependence upon thy glorious Person and thy glorious work; pressing after more sensible communion with thee, and more imparted strength and grace from thee, until at length, when thou shalt call me home from a life of faith to a life of sight—then, precious Jesus! would I say to thee, with my dying breath, “ O present me, washed in thy blood and clothed in thy righteousness, among the whole body of thy glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that I may be without blame before thee in love.”
