"AND JACOB CALLED THE NAME OF THE PLACE PENIEL." "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Desperate and overwhelmed with fears, Jacob retired to plead with his God; he wept and made supplication; he had power with God, and prevailed. "And He blessed him there." Our God delights to bless us; therefore He began so early, for He blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Jesus before the foundation of the world; He gave us grace in His Son before He gave us a being: yet He will have us plead with Him, and weep before Him. He is "The blessing God." There never was a want that pierced the heart of fallen humanity, or met the omniscient eye of Jehovah, but that want was anticipated, and provided for, in the person and fulness of Christ. And however great our conflicts and trials may be, we can have no reason to despond, for grace is given us; and grace always goes hand in hand with omnipotence. Our heavenly Father's love cannot fail; our divine Saviour's fulness cannot be exhausted, His faithful promise cannot be broken; let us therefore plead in the valley of Achor, wrestle on the battle-plain, and it shall again be said, "He blessed him there." O for the Spirit of prayer! O for living and lively faith!

For Meditation:
Lord, let me know the grace below,
To all believers given:
O bid me feel Thy love, and go
In perfect peace to heaven.