Morning By Morning #184

In him our hearts rejoice.

Psalm 33:21

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

It is a blessed fact that Christians can rejoice even during the deepest distress. Although trouble may surround us, we can still sing, and like many birds, we sing best in our cages. Raging waves may roll over us, but our souls quickly resurface to see the light of God’s countenance, for we have a buoyancy about us that keeps our heads above water and helps us sing amid the storm, “God is with me still” (Oliver Sansom, 1636 – 1710).

To whom shall the glory be given for this blessing? To Jesus! It is all accomplished by Jesus! Trouble may not necessarily be accompanied by consolation when initially coming upon believers, but the presence of the Son of God in “the blazing furnace” (Dan. 3:23) nevertheless fills our hearts with joy. We may experience sickness and suffering, but Jesus visits us and makes our bed more comfortable. Even if dying, with the cold water of the Jordan gradually rising to our neck, Jesus puts His arms around us and whispers, “Fear not, beloved, for to die is to be blessed. The waters of death find their source in heaven. They are not bitter but are as sweet as honey, for they flow from the throne of God.”

As departing saints wade through the river with waves billowing around us and our heart and bodies failing us, the same voice sounds in our ears, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (Isa. 41:10). And as we near the border of the infinite unknown, with fear of what’s ahead, Jesus says to us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

Thus, strengthened and consoled, believers are not afraid to die. In fact, we are willing and ready to depart, for since we have seen Jesus, “the bright Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16), we long to gaze on Him as we once gazed at the sun when our bodies were strong. Truly the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire. He is both:

The glory of our brightest days;
The comfort of our nights.

Author unknown

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example of abiding joy even in the midst of suffering. “For the joy set before him [He] endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). It is difficult for us to understand how joy and suffering can coexist, but they can and do.

Was dying on the cross a joyful thing? It was in this regard—Jesus was in the perfect center of His Father’s will, for He said, “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38). In the same way, there is no greater joy for you as a follower of His than knowing you are walking in His perfect will. And this is true regardless of how difficult your surrounding circumstances may be. “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3).

“I delight to do thy will, O my God” (Ps. 40:8 KJV).