‘Hope in God’ (Psalm 42:11)

However gloomy the day, however strange the trials, however distressing the event, put your hope in God. He is with you, He is your God, He has promised to befriend you, He is the faithful God. He will turn darkness into light, make crooked things straight, and make all grace abound towards you, so that you, having all sufficiency, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

The changes that affect you, cannot affect Him. You cannot rely too simply upon Him, or expect too much from Him. If all within and without seem to conspire to distress you, still say, “I will hope in God.” Expect Him to be to you all a gracious and powerful God can be; expect Him to do all a loving Father and infinite God can do. Hope for light in darkness, for relief in distress, for strength in weakness, for joy in sorrow, for deliverance when sinking beneath the wave, and for life in death.

Hope for all you need, and for all God has promised. Hope in God, and in God alone. Hope because God has spoken, because He is true and faithful and you cannot hope in vain. The foundation of your hope is laid in the blood of Jesus, and the oath of God.

 Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘When I returned to Cheltenham with my family, I found that some who were very hot for my coming, were become cool and distant, so that I soon perceived that my path would not be very smooth. Many things were done that were calculated to make me very uncomfortable, and to hinder the work of God. This ended in a secession, when a number were separated from the church. I endeavoured to commit my way unto the Lord, and to trust simply and alone in Him’.