July 26

Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. Psalms 73:25. 26.

Where shall we find comfort in the battles of life? And when the last bitter foe, death, approaches us, where shall we find comfort? On no other occasion are we so sorely in need of comfort, true comfort, as when death has entered our home and has robbed us of those who are near and dear to us. Unbelievers have nothing to comfort them at such a time. All they can say to themselves is, We must wait until time heals the smarting wound. What poor comfort! As to the loved ones who have left them, all they know is that they are gone and that they shall see them no more. Oh, how miserable is the unbeliever at the death-bed and at the grave! He has no comfort. And how miserable is he when he himself must enter the valley of the shadow of death! He recoils from it; for he knows that he must now go to meet God, against whom he has sinned.

The Christian must also walk through that valley; but there is a vast difference between the death of the believer and that of the unbeliever. The unbeliever must see death in all its terrors, but the believer has true comfort in life and death. How is this? It is because he puts his trust in Christ. He is confident through faith that Jesus Christ made atonement for his sins, that all that he has done amiss is canceled by the blood of Christ and

is blotted out forever; and he knows: where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation. The true and living faith makes the soul sure of paradise. This comfort is a real comfort, a lasting comfort, because it is founded on the sure promises of the Word of God, which stand firmer than earth's foundation. His Word shall not pass away.

Prayer.

O Lord, when we are in distress and danger, deliver us; when we are sick and weary, comfort us; be Thou our Physician. If, according to Thy will, we are to go hence, we commend our souls into Thy hands. O Lord, hear us! O Lord, have mercy! O Lord, give ear unto our prayer for Jesus Christ's sake! We do not doubt that Thou wilt graciously give what we are asking of Thee because we have the sure promise of Thy Word, which stands firm and unshaken; for heaven and earth shall pass away, but Thy Word shall not pass away; this is Thy promise. Amen.

Then let me softly, gently, Lord, fall asleep in Thee. When by Thy will and counsel My last hour comes to me.

As to the oak the ivy, So let me cleave to Thee And live in heavenly glory With Thee eternally.