For There Stood by Me This Night the Angel of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the presence of the angel of God in times of distress, and trusting in God's comfort and strength to overcome fear and uncertainty.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unwavering courage of Paul amidst a tempestuous sea, highlighting how his faith and the presence of an angel from God provided him with reassurance when all others were fearful. Spurgeon illustrates that even in our darkest moments, divine help is available, and angels are sent to comfort those who fear the Lord. He encourages believers to seek the presence of Jesus, the angel of the covenant, especially during times of distress, assuring them that they will find strength and comfort in His companionship.
Text
Tempest and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured. Paul was the only man who had heart enough to say, "Sirs, be of good cheer." There were veteran Roman legionaries on board, and brave old mariners, and yet their poor Jewish prisoner had more spirit than they all. He had a secret Friend who kept his courage up. The Lord Jesus despatched a heavenly messenger to whisper words of consolation in the ear of His faithful servant, therefore he wore a shining countenance and spake like a man at ease.
If we fear the Lord, we may look for timely interpositions when our case is at its worst. Angels are not kept from us by storms, or hindered by darkness. Seraphs think it no humiliation to visit the poorest of the heavenly family. If angel's visits are few and far between at ordinary times, they shall be frequent in our nights of tempest and tossing. Friends may drop from us when we are under pressure, but our intercourse with the inhabitants of the angelic world shall be more abundant; and in the strength of love-words, brought to us from the throne by the way of Jacob's ladder, we shall be strong to do exploits. Dear reader, is this an hour of distress with you? then ask for peculiar help. Jesus is the angel of the covenant, and if His presence be now earnestly sought, it will not be denied. What that presence brings in heart-cheer those remember who, like Paul, have had the angel of God standing by them in a night of storm, when anchors would no longer hold, and rocks were nigh.
"O angel of my God, be near, Amid the darkness hush my fear; Loud roars the wild tempestuous sea, Thy presence, Lord, shall comfort me."
Sermon Outline
- The Angel of God in Times of Distress
- The Role of the Angel of God in Our Lives
- Seeking the Presence of the Angel of God
- The Importance of Faith in the Lord
- The Presence of Angels in Times of Need
- The Angel as a Messenger of Comfort
- The Angel as a Source of Strength
- The Power of Prayer in Times of Distress
- The Assurance of God's Presence
Key Quotes
“O angel of my God, be near, Amid the darkness hush my fear; Loud roars the wild tempestuous sea, Thy presence, Lord, shall comfort me.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“If we fear the Lord, we may look for timely interpositions when our case is at its worst.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Friends may drop from us when we are under pressure, but our intercourse with the inhabitants of the angelic world shall be more abundant;” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can seek the presence of the angel of God through prayer, asking for His comfort and strength in times of distress.
- We can remain calm in times of distress by trusting in the Lord and seeking His presence.
- God's presence is available to us in times of need, and we can expect the presence of angels to comfort and strengthen us.