I AM WITH THEE TO DELIVER THEE.

 
DECEMBER 17.
 

I am with thee to deliver thee.
Jeremiah 1:8

 
THUS spake Jehovah to Jeremiah; and
  the privilege of the prophet is our privilege too.
 
The Lord is with us, even as he was with him.
 
But if you read his book,
  you will find that God's presence did not preserve him
  from troubles, sorrows, or foes;
  for a few men suffered more than he did.
 
Nor did he always realize God's presence with him, and
  yet the Lord never withdrew for one moment.
 
Beloved, though God be with us,
  we shall suffer from many sources,
  we shall be tried in many ways,
  we shall be troubled with many things, and
  we may conclude that even our God is turned against us;
  and yet he will be true to his word,
    and will ultimately deliver us.
 
If God is with us,
  we shall go wherever he pleases to send us.
 
We should do whatever he bids us.
 
We should expect whatever he has promised us.
 
Men may hate us.
 
Providence may try us.
 
Our hearts may sink and misgive us.
 
All things may seem to conspire against us.
 
Yet the Lord who is with us,
  is pledged to deliver us, and
  he will redeem his pledge,
    to our joy and his own glory.
 
The Lord will be with us this day to deliver us,
  here is our safety and comfort.
 

I can forward now with joy,

Though in myself a feeble worm;

For Jesus will his power employ,

And save my soul in every storm.

 
James Smith 1849