Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!
“I Would Hurry To Find Shelter From The Raging Wind And Tempest.” Psalm 55:8
Today’s post is a devotion from the book Morning Exercises, written by William Jay. Jay pastored a church in England for 60 years and was famous for his faithful exposition of the Bible. I love the old dead guys, and I hope Jay’s devotions will be a blessing to you.
Pastor Jay references Psalm 55:8 which says, “I Would Hurry To Find Shelter From The Raging Wind And Tempest.”
Such was the language of David, and it may be the language of any other good man in the depth of distress. But is it allowable and proper? There is no perfection here; There is nothing concerning which we should be careful to limit our criticism of hasty expressions, uttered under the pressure of pain or grief. Perhaps it was to prevent our severity here, that the cases of Job and Jeremiah are recorded, both of whom, though eminent in their walk with the Lord, cursed the day of their birth.
The scripture is not harsh upon them, and it is observable, that when James refers to one of these bitterly complaining sufferers, he only says, “You have heard of the patience of Job.” They who have never been in a state of peculiar distress, know little of the feelings of human nature under it. But there are others who can respond to the invitation of sympathy, “Pity me, pity me, oh you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!“
And the Father of mercies knows our frame and remembers we are dust. We are not required to choose suffering for its own sake, or to be indifferent to ease and deliverance. Our Savior Himself had not the fortitude which laughs at pain, but that which he deeply felt, and yet submitted. With strong cries and tears he prayed, “Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
But although we may allow some things as an excuse, truth does not require us to commend it. It was his infirmity that induced David, to long for death to hasten his escape from the stormy wind and tempest. An old writer tells us, it would’ve been more honorable for him to have asked for the strength of an ox to bear his trials, than for the wings of the dove, to flee from them.
Is not such language unworthy and ungrateful? Should we overlook and forget all our comforts? Have they not been great in numerous? And did we ask to flee away in those times? And are they not many and various even now? And shall we only dwell on the dark side? Let us examine again and let truth and thankfulness be firm.
And even though trials may be many and great, afflictions are not unchangeable dispensations. What changes often take place to our surprise, as well as our joy, of desponding suffers?
“The Lord can change the darkest skies,
Can give us stay for night.
Make drops of sacred sorrow rise,
To rivers of delight.”
And isn’t there unbelief in such situations? You are afraid of all your sorrows and not only of their continuance and increase, but of their influence and effects. You dread the possibility of not bearing them properly so as to glorify God, but sink in the day of adversity, and sin too. Oh, you a little faith! Why do you doubt? Is He not able to preserve and support and comfort you? And has He not engaged to do it? Has He not said, “I will never leave you or forsake you?” “ when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” And has not His conduct always accorded with this assurance, both with regard to others, and with regard to yourselves?
“ Did ever trouble yet befall, And He refuse to hear your call?
And he has not his promised past, that you shall overcome it last?”
Well then, once you have been horrified at the prospect of a trial, but when the evil day came, there came with it mercy and grace to help in the time of need. Perhaps you even gloried in tribulation, and you would not refuse to pass through some of those distressing situations again, in order to enjoy the same peace and comfort.
Is there not a great deal of ignorance and lack of thoughtfulness in this impatience? How do you know that it is better to escape from these troubles than to bear them? Not one of them has come upon you by chance and may you not forget the righteousness of them all as they are from their very Author? Is not His work perfect and His ways wise? He does all things well. Does He detain you in distress because He does not love you? Listen, He loves you with an everlasting love and withheld not his own son from you. Therefore, you may entirely confide in him, assured that if He does not release you, it is because He waits to be gracious, and also be equally assured that those who wait for Him will be blessed, for it is good for a man not only to hope, but quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
First, your own welfare may require the process. The Savior was made perfect through suffering and the character of every Christian is more formed and improved from his afflictions than his enjoyments. What would some of you have lost had you fled away before such a trying dispensation enriched your faith and hope! How much of your happiness in heaven will arise from a review of your present conflicts on earth! The very trial of your faith is precious, and the crown of life is promised, not to him that escapes, but to him that endures the temptation. Afflictions are heavenly agents and work out for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Secondly, the welfare of others may require it also. We are detained here to be useful, and we are often most useful in our trials. The passive graces are the most impressive. They are better than 1000 sermons. They are better to arrest the careless, to instruct the ignorant, to encourage the timid, to comfort the desponding. It was good that John Bunyan did not escape from the prison at Bedford, or we would not have his writing of Pilgrim’s Progress and the Holy War to learn from. Paul was a prisoner and knew that to depart and be with Christ was far better. Nevertheless, because it was more needful for the Philippians, he was willing to remain here and acquiesced in the adjournment of his deliverance and bliss. And here you also may be wanted. Perhaps you have a venerable mother and are required to rock the cradle of her age, who rocked the cradle of your infancy. Perhaps you are a parent, and a rising family is dependent on your care, instructed by your wisdom, and edified by your example. We are all placed in circumstances where we may prove a blessing, and this is our only opportunity. We may glorify God in heaven, but not in the same way as now-not by submission, patience, and self-denial. This is an advantage we have above those who have already been glorified. They cannot exercise candor, forgive injuries, relieve distress, and save souls. Life is ours as well as death. Therefore, all the days of our appointed time let us wait, till our change comes.
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Last modified: September 27, 2024