‘Then they went and told Jesus’ (Matthew 14:12)

When Herod beheaded John the Baptist, his disciples took his body and buried it, and then they went and told Jesus. Let us imitate their example, and carry everything to Jesus. He loves to listen to the tale of human woe. He can and will sympathise with us in all our trials and troubles. He is our Father, and to whom should the child tell their troubles, but to their kind and tender parent?

He will direct our steps, avenge our wrongs, and turn all things to our advantage. Does business go wrong? Are enemies active? Is corruption strong? Does faith flag? Are you tested in your family? Go and tell Jesus.

It will ease your mind; prevent sin; insure supplies; manifest relationship and frustrate the designs of Satan. Do not sit pouring over your miseries; and do not go to other people; neither murmur, complain, nor fret. Rather, go to Jesus, go with speed, go in hope, go and tell Him everything, without reserve.

Go this morning, with all your complaints, desires, and fears; lay them all before Him, and beseech Him to undertake for you. He loves to hear you, has promised to help you, and will certainly bless you. It is your duty, and your privilege, to pour out your heart before Him, and find Him a refuge for you.

Our sorrows and our tears we pour
Into the bosom of our God,
He hears us in the mournful hour,
And helps to bear the heavy load.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘My birthday, an introduction to ten thousand mercies. O what a debtor to grace I am! Kept through 37 years, 13 of which have been employed in preaching Christ ! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!’