April 6
The Christian's Fears and Encouragements
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed: for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."-- Isaiah 41:10.
THE promises of God are numerous, like stars bespangling the firmament of revelation; diversified, as they extend to every case; exceeding great in the blessings to which they refer; precious as applied by faith; and secure, as they rest on the basis of immutable truth. Here is a very comprehensive one. Contemplate the believer in
THE CAUSE OF HIS FEARS. They arise from various sources.
Temporal trials. We shall form a very wrong estimate if we judge of God's love by the gifts of his providence; he sometimes confers least on those he loves most; and we cannot tell how his heart is inclined, by looking at his hand. Many have the smiles of his providence who have not the light of his countenance.
Spiritual conflicts. How many clouds of guilt and unbelief gather around us, and for a season obscure our prospects! There are two antagonist principles within, corruption and grace, and these are continually warring with each other: so that the Christian is often the subject of agitation and fear.
THE GROUND OF HIS ENCOURAGEMENT. It is three-fold.
The Divine presence we have with us. "I am with thee." Is not this enough to dispel our fears, and scatter our doubts? Think of the perfections of his nature, the vigilance of his eye, the power of his arm, and the pity of his heart.
The corenant relation he sustains to us. "I am thy God." This he is in a peculiar sense to his people; not only as they are created by his power, and sustained by his providence, but as they are redeemed by his grace.
The gracious acts he performs for us. He imparts strength, because we are weak; and he affords help in our need. He will uphold us when we are ready to sink, with the right hand of his righteousness; that hand of righteous retribution with which he confers pardon on the penitent, and inflicts punishment on hardened, obdurate sinners.
9*