Fellow-Christian, we live in trying times. Nations are convulsed, thrones are tottering, crowns are falling, confusion reigns, and men’s hearts are failing them for fear! We cannot but feel; but we ought not to fear. There is enough to make us watch and pray but not enough to deject or cast us down The Lord reigns. Our Savior has all power in Heaven and in earth. He directs every event, and will overrule every occurrence for the fulfillment of his word, and the good of his beloved people. “He works all things after the counsel of his own will.” Men may rage, infidels may blaspheme, professors may murmur, and real Christians may be filled with alarm; but He says, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” The Lord sits above the water-floods, he remains King forever! Therefore, let no man’s heart fail him. Let us look to the divine word. Let us look out for the Lord’s hand. There is the rainbow of mercy in every cloud; but only the eye of faith can discern it.
Beloved, are you passing through storms, tempests, and trials? Hope in God, whatever your trial may be. Are you sick? He will make your bed, and sanctify your pain. Are you poor? He will answer your prayers, and supply your need. Are you sorrowful? He will comfort you, and give you joy for your sorrow. Are you tempted? He will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able to bear. Are you bereaved? He will be better to you than ten children. He will be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow. He is a friend that loves at all times, and ever lives to manifest his friendship. Are you in perplexity? He will bring the blind by a way which they knew not, and make your way plain before you.
Do you imagine that your trials are singular? He assures you that no temptation has taken you but such as is common to men, and he bids you not to think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try you. Do you doubt your interest in Jesus, and your title to the promises? Read his sweet invitations, cast yourself afresh into his arms, and still hope in his mercy. Whatever may be your trial, whether inward or outward, personal or relative, spiritual or temporal, still “hope in God.“
[James Smith]
Psalm 42:5 ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Lamentations 3:24 ... The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
1 John 4:4 ... Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.❤
