WE ARE AT WAR! The conflict with sin never ceases until the day we see our Lord. Meanwhile sin lives in us, works in us, and sometimes overcomes us. We are never completely free from sin, and have daily need to watch and strive against sin. Iniquities prevail against us at times, and then they mar our peace, increase unbelief, steal away our affection from God, silence the voice of prayer and praise, weaken and pollute the soul, and raise a cloud between God and us, so that we cannot see his face, or enjoy his love. When we yield to sin and sin prevails against us, we must expect the rebukes and reproofs of the Holy Spirit within; the rod of affliction may also be laid from without; confusion and perplexity will be felt before the throne; and our state calls for humiliation, confession, and repentance toward God. If the Lord sanctify this experience to us, it will lead us to hate sin more, and loathe ourselves before God: we shall become more watchful and prayerful; we shall be more jealous of ourselves, and careful to avoid all appearance of evil; and when again set at liberty, we shall bless, praise, and adore the longsuffering, the mercy, and forgiveness of our loving God.

For Meditation:
Lord, my iniquities prevail,
My courage droops, my spirits fail;
Do Thou my rebel lusts subdue,
And all Thy gracious powers renew.