Great Encouragement in Christ JESUS - THE MIGHTY GOD!

"For His anger endureth but a moment: in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." —Psalm 30:5 [KJV]  

Verily here is a glorious assemblage of comforting truths like a reviving cordial of rich compounds to enliven drooping spirits. Too, too often do God's children judge of their Father's love, from corrupt ideas. Through the carnality of their natures, the depravity of their judgment, the weakness of their faith, the uncertainty of their frames and feelings, and the artful insinuations of Satan, their loving Father is considered as an implacable being, full of wrath and anger against them. But this is contrary to God's revelation of Himself in Christ Jesus as a God of love. So also is it injurious and hurtful to the souls of the faithful; for it damps their love, distresses their spirits, deadens the exercise of their graces, and hinders their increase in holiness; the essence of which is founded in the love of God. Therefore such views come not from God. But thus Satan gains an advantage, and triumphs over poor souls, with, 'There, there, so would I have it.'  

What can the soul do? whither can he fly? what course can he take? All legal efforts are vain—creature acts ineffectual— from self and nature no hope can spring. What can he think? Truly stand amazed that he is out of hell. He cannot sink lower in his views of himself, than what his just deserts are. But never so miserable can he be in his own sight, but the grace of God in Christ Jesus is all-sufficient to afford hope and help. In nature's despair, grace triumphs. A sense of momentary anger heightens returning favor. The joy of the morning is improved by a past night of sorrow. God ever rests unchangeable in His love to His people. This is the essence of gospel grace and truth. That we vary and fluctuate in our apprehension of His love, is natural to our very existence, as old and new creatures. "But we have a more sure word of prophesy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."—II Peter 1:19. "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy."—Revelation 19:10.  

How will the pow'rs of darkness boast If but one praying soul be lost! But I have trusted in Thy grace, And shall again behold Thy face.  

Whate'er my fears or foes suggest, Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest; My heart shall feel Thy love, and raise my cheerful voice to songs of praise.  

Thy anger but a moment stays: Thy love is life and length of days: Tho' grief and tears the night employ, Thou, Morning-Star, restor'st my joy. 

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.) 


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