THE FATHER OF MERCIES.

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MARCH 26
 
2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
 

Jehovah is a Father,

   a merciful Father,

   a tenderly merciful Father;

   a Father of mercies,

        with whom all mercies originate,

              from whom all mercies proceed.

 

Our chief mercy is a Saviour;

   that Saviour,

      his only begotten Son;

         that Son freely delivered up for us all.

 

He was the author of the mercy which quickened us,

   comforted us, and

   still keeps us.

 

All our merciful afflictions,

   deliverances,

       shuttings up, and relief,

            flow from his sovereign will.

 

He is the fountain and source of mercy,

and from him all our mercies flow.

 

This should correct the views we sometimes take of him,

   as if he were difficult to please,

   or soon angry with us.

 

It should also encourage our faith, hope, prayers, and love.

 

What a comfort to a seeking soul,

   to know that the God he is seeking is the Father of mercies.

 

What a shield this to ward off the fiery darts of Satan.

 

What a inducement to love our God more than all the gifts we receive from him.

 

Beloved, look up to heaven to-night, and

   call upon the Father of mercies in confidence;

      he will produce and present the very mercy you need,

         be it what it may.

 
My soul, thou hast (let what will ail)
A never changing Friend;
When brethren, friends, and helpers fail.
On him alone depend.
 

James Smith