"...WITH EVERLASTING KINDNESS WILL I HAVE MERCY ON THEE."

"Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel the Saviour." —Isaiah 45:15 [KJV]

Mourning under a sense of sin, and complaining of inbred corruptions, are consistent with faith in Jesus, and rejoicing in His salvation. Sorrowing under the painful sense of an absent God, has been the experience of saints in all ages; few, if any, have been exempt from it. And this is an evidence that they have felt His comforting presence, enjoyed the smiles of His love, and rejoiced in the light of His countenance. So the life and love of the soul is manifested. A Christian is known by his sorrows, as well as joys. He sorrows after a godly sort.

But why should a God of love hide Himself from His dear children? We may say, He is a sovereign, and answer in the words of Elihu, Job 33:13—"He giveth not account of any of His matters." But it is most sweet to say with David, "Continually let the LORD be magnified, Who hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servants."—Psalm 35:27. Therefore when God hides Himself from the souls of His believing children, it is in love, wisdom, and faithfulness to them: it is to advance His own glory, and to further the prosperity of their souls. But He never leaves Himself without a witness in their hearts, for we see the church addresses Him though He hideth Himself— sweetly applies to Him as Jesus the only SAVIOUR, and utters her complaint before Him, "Thou hidest Thyself," and I am troubled. So the withdrawing of the comforting warmth of the sun, makes vegetable nature droop and languish, and it mourns in silent sadness. But the root is still alive, and it will, when the sun returns, bring forth its fruit in due season. Backward springs, often produce the most plentiful harvest. So the Lord teaches His sovereignty, roots the soul in humility, prevents the growth of spiritual pride, reproves a careless walk, chides for worldly-mindedness, causes great searchings of heart, embitters sin, excites to holy mourning, calls forth earnest longings, restless seekings, and fervent prayings. "Saw ye Him whom my soul loveth?" will be the restless enquiry of a loving, deserted heart. I cannot live without Him: His presence is heaven; His absence is hell. Soul, ever beware of lending thine ear for a moment to any base suggestion, contrary to this sweet declaration of an unchanging God of truth and love: "In a LITTLE wrath I hid My face from thee for a MOMENT, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD, THY Redeemer." —Isaiah 54:8.

How boundless is our Father's grace, 

In height and depth and length: 

He made His Son our righteousness, 

His Spirit is our strength.

What though I mourn a hiding God, 

His faithfulness I trust, 

His word, His love, can never fail; 

The Lord I serve—is just.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)