THE people of God oftentimes find a companion in David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, as to their varied spiritual and providential experiences during their sojourn in this world of evil and trouble. They can frequently use David’s words in Psalm xlii. verse 6, with regard to their own experience. “My soul is cast down within me.” Contributing to this may be the lively workings of an evil heart of unbelief, a sense of spiritual barrenness and the need of the reviving influences of the Holy Spirit, some temptation from Satan to discourage or a peculiar affliction or trial in providence, etc. Some believers by reason of being more sensitive and tender in their minds than others, may be discouraged more easily. And as they look out upon the nation and the world at large, they discover much to discourage and little to console. Iniquity abounds, strife and bloodshed stain parts of the earth, the great nations are involved in political conflict which endangers the peace of the world; and the enemies of the Church and cause of Christ, even from unexpected quarters, are, Shimei like, cursing and casting stones at those who seek by divine help to sustain and defend the faith.”
Yet God reigneth and sitteth upon the throne of His holiness. His people have, after all, much matter revealed for their encouragement. “God is the King of all the earth” (Ps. xlvii. verse 7), and His divine and all wise counsels and purposes shall be carried out and fulfilled in judgment and mercy. The “Joseph” of the New Testament is yet alive and announces regarding Himself, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen” (Rev. i. 18). The Lord Jesus continues to care for, sustain and preserve His Church embracing those who love His righteous cause, even when small and despised. He said “the same yesterday, to-day and for ever” (Heb. xiii. 8), and He continues to walk in the midst of the golden candlesticks. By the Holy Spirit our truth and grace, according to the will of God, cannot be sanctified and comforted and sinners awakened and converted. The Bible remains the holy, inspired and infallible revelation of divine and saving truth it always has been; a lamp to the feet and a light to the path of all who are turned to it from lying vanities. “This word of thine is my comfort is in mine affliction,” says David (Psalm cxix. verse 50). And what shall we more say? Great and precious promises are also fruitful sources from whence encouragement may be drawn by those whose hope and confidence is placed in the just God and Saviour. Do we not read, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philip iv. 19.) Many such promises have been given, and shall be fulfilled by God, to His people in His loving care over them and in their time of need. Although Christ warned His disciples to expect tribulation in the world, He exhorts them to be of good cheer, inasmuch as He has overcome the world. And they shall participate in His victory, throughout endless ages.