‘Trouble is near and there is no one to help’ (Psalm 22:11)

Trouble and the Christian are seldom far apart or long apart. This may sound discouraging, but Jesus and the Christian are never apart. He will never leave us and trouble is intended to prevent our leaving Him, or to bring us back if we have already wandered.

The loving heart guides the hand which punishes; and nothing is done by Him, or permitted, except that it may be overruled for our good. Trouble may be near, but the throne of grace also is near; His word of promise is near; and He is near who justifies us. In trouble, God can glorify His grace, deepen His work in your heart, brighten your evidences, and fill you with joy and peace in believing.

Plead with Him to do so; do not let trouble fill you with confusion, weaken your faith or drive you from Him; but listen to, and act upon His word. He says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me” [Psalm 50:15]. “I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them, and honour them” [Psalm 91:15].Has He said, and shall He not do it? He has spoken, and shall He not make it good? Every trouble is intended to endear Jesus to your heart.

 This land through which His pilgrims go,
Is desolate and dry:
But streams of grace from Him o’erflow,
Their thirst to satisfy:
Jesus has all His saints can want,
And when they need He’ll freely grant.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘”For the Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him”. Everything seems to chide me, to warn me, and to reprove me; and yet I remain dull, stupid and insensible. O when shall I be spiritual – when shall I be holy – when shall I be entirely devoted to my God? Nothing but grace can quicken and keep me, nothing but mercy can cheer me, only the blood and righteousness of Jesus can save me’.