‘To comfort all who mourn’  (Isaiah 61:2)

The Lord’s people are all mourners; grace sets and keeps them mourning over sin committed, depravity discovered, evidences needed, comforts forfeited and lost, apparent uselessness, the sins of others, the state of the church, or for the salvation of relatives and friends.

We mourn after Jesus when we do not enjoy His love, and over Him as suffering when we do. But He has declared, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Jesus Himself is anointed and appointed to be our Comforter; He has given Him the tongue of the learned, that He may speak a word in season to those who are weary.

He comforts us by pardoning our sins, subduing our iniquities, restoring the joys of our salvation, employing us in His service, and making us successful. He comforts us by His word, His servants, and His Spirit.

Admire the wisdom of God in the person appointed; the love of God in the work to which He is appointed; and the faithfulness of God in the perpetuity of His office. He ever lives, and lives to comfort us. Sweet view of Jesus, let us dwell upon it.

Now in the Lord will I be glad,
And glory in His love;
In Him I’ll joy, who will the God
Of my salvation prove:
My Saviour will my comfort be,
And set my soul from trouble free.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I saw clearly how it was that so many had fallen; there was not a present sense of weakness, an apprehension of danger, or a fear lest any injury should be done to the cause of God. May the Lord ever keep his fear alive, and working in my heart.’