BELIEVERS when in darkness, often fear that Jesus has forsaken them; this is natural; but it is unscriptural; for He has said, "I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee." His offices require His presence with us, His love secures His presence to us. He will not leave us orphans. We are absolutely dependent upon Him; our comfort is His gift, and the countenance of comfort depends on His presence and grace. He is the great source of comfort to His people; His presence and His comforts are generally connected; He may withhold them for a time to reprove, instruct, or correct us; but we may calculate upon His comforts returning, for His promise is plain; it stands unrepealed in His word; and His nature and love are the same. His precious word of promise should be believed, pleaded and firmly trusted. We never shall be orphans, for our Father ever lives; our home waits to receive us, and our hope is imperishable. Oh, beloved, plead this precious word of Jesus: expect Him to make it good: aim at His glory, and your comforts are sure! He will not leave us comfortless.
Most Holy Spirit, give me faith, To rest on what my Saviour saith; May I the sweetest comforts prove, Of His divine eternal love: And daily trust His faithfulness, Who will not leave me comfortless.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
BELIEVERS when in darkness, often fear that Jesus has forsaken them; this is natural; but it is unscriptural; for He has said, "I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee." His offices require His presence with us, His love secures His presence to us. He will not leave us orphans. We are absolutely dependent upon Him; our comfort is His gift, and the countenance of comfort depends on His presence and grace. He is the great source of comfort to His people; His presence and His comforts are generally connected; He may withhold them for a time to reprove, instruct, or correct us; but we may calculate upon His comforts returning, for His promise is plain; it stands unrepealed in His word; and His nature and love are the same. His precious word of promise should be believed, pleaded and firmly trusted. We never shall be orphans, for our Father ever lives; our home waits to receive us, and our hope is imperishable. Oh, beloved, plead this precious word of Jesus: expect Him to make it good: aim at His glory, and your comforts are sure! He will not leave us comfortless.
Most Holy Spirit, give me faith, To rest on what my Saviour saith; May I the sweetest comforts prove, Of His divine eternal love: And daily trust His faithfulness, Who will not leave me comfortless.