TDR: 22 April (Genesis 32:12)

‘I will surely do you good’ (Genesis 32:12)

Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him, but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is this that God speaks to us this morning. How gracious! We do not know what a day may bring forth, but we know our God, who oversees every event, will do us good.

We may mistake as to what will be for our good, but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot be mistaken. We may look at afflictions, losses and crosses, and cry out, “All these things are against me!” But read the history of David, what a sequence of troubles came upon him; and hear David’s acknowledgement, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted” [Psalm 119:71].

Your God will do you good, and therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you medicine as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful, if necessary for your soul’s welfare.

Look at your trials and say, “This also shall turn to my salvation” [Philippians 1:19]. Look on the past and acknowledge, “Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life” [Psalm 23:6]. Look to the future and rejoice, “The Lord will give that which is GOOD” [Psalm 85:12]. Look in every direction and say, “I will trust and not be afraid” [Isaiah 12:2].

I cannot doubt His bounteous love,
So full, so free, so kind;
To His unerring, gracious will,
Be every wish resigned

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘May I never presume, because I am thus Thine; nor despond since I have thus given myself up to Thee; but may I live on the borders of eternity, in the full prospect of death and judgement. May I never be allowed to think anything hard, which I undertake for Thee or Thy people, not that anything is either too good or too great for me which Thou hast promised.’