“…trouble is near….” Psalms 22:11
Trouble and the Christian are seldom far apart, or long apart; this may sound discouraging; but Jesus and the Christian are never apart. He will never leave us, and trouble is intended to prevent our leaving Him, or to bring us back if we have already wandered. His loving heart guides the hand which smites; and nothing is done by Him, or permitted, but that it may be over-ruled for our good. Trouble may be near, but the throne of grace also is near; His word of promise is near; and He is near who justifieth us. In trouble God can glorify His grace, deepen His work in your heart, brighten your evidences, and fill you with joy and peace in believing; plead with Him to do so, let not trouble fill you with confusion, weaken your faith, or drive you from Him; but listen to, and act upon His word. He says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” “I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.” “Hath He said, and shall He not do it? Hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” Every trouble is intended to endear Jesus to your heart. (James Smith, 1840)
This land, through which His pilgrims go
Is desolate and dry;
But streams of grace from Him o’erflow,
Their thirst to satisfy:
Jesus has all His saint can want,
And, when they need, He’ll freely grant.
