FOR THE LORD HATH COMFORTED HIS PEOPLE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

AUGUST 29

 

Isaiah 49:13

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; 

and break forth into singing, O mountains: 

for the LORD hath comforted his people, 

and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

 
The Lord hath a people which are peculiarly his own.
 
This truth is constantly kept before us in his holy word.
 
He always loves them.
 
He chose them to salvation.
 
He redeemed them by the precious blood of Christ.
 
They are untied to his beloved Son.
 
They are dear to him as the apple of his eye.
 
Still they are deeply tired.
 
They often sigh and groan. 

They are still sinners, and sin festers within them, 

when it does not break out into a wound.
 
It pains them when it does not openly disgrace them.
 
They have more cause for gratitude than Gabriel has, yet they have much to distress them.
 
But their God comforts them.
 
He comforts his people by giving them his holy word
—by erecting the throne of grace
—by freely pardoning all their sins
—by bestowing his peace on thee,
—by assuring them that he is their Father
—by giving them Jesus as their portion, and with him all things
—and by unfolding before them the bright prospect of endless blessedness.
 
What condescension is this, that God should stoop to comfort a worm!
 
What grace, that he should comfort one who was a rebel!
 

This joy to strangers is unknown,

Nor can it be expressed;

It is revealed to those alone,

Who on the Saviour rest.

 
James Smith