the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Isaiah 35:4. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. Isaiah 40:1-2.
This is the Gospel for the poor, "fearful," and sorrowful souls who mourn because of sin and struggle against faint-heartedness and despair; it is not a Gospel for gay and reckless sinners, nor for secure, lukewarm and slothful Christians, who generally appropriate all the comforting passages in the Scriptures, which, however, do not concern them, in order that they may continue to sleep quietly, remain secure and reassure themselves with a false consolation. But for those who earnestly struggle against faults and sins, whose conscience is bruised, and who will not accept consolation, one can not often enough repeat these comforting passages to inspire them with courage. Yes, dear bruised and broken soul, take courage; confidence in your infinitely kind Commiserator is becoming to you; that saves you; that is pleasing to God. Your despondency and faint-heartedness cause Him neither glory nor joy and bring certain death to your soul and body. Be bold for once! Throw yourself into His arms who in the above quoted passages so kindly invites you and comforts you with such divine gentleness. Cast yourself into the open arms of your Sympathizer, which are stretched out to you in these words. Do not by despondency, hopelessness and despair rush into the claws of the enemy and murderer of your soul, who with fearful thoughts only desires to destroy you and to drag you down to himself into the pit. Rather rush into the sea of God’s mercy, of Christ’s love and grace, which is deep enough, great, broad and high enough, to receive even you, wash you, cleanse you, and make you happy.
His Holy Spirit dwelleth
Within my willing heart,
Tames it when it rebelleth,
And soothes the keenest smart.
He crowns His work with blessing,
And helpeth me to cry,
"My Father! " without ceasing.
To Him who reigns on high.
