THIS is a complaint preferred against us by our infinitely gracious God; let us attend to it a little this morning. What should we consider? Surely, how great things the Lord hath done for us, He hath delivered our souls from death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from falling, that we may walk before God in the land of the living. How God provides for all His creatures, even the meanest, and therefore will certainly provide for us; being engaged to do so as our Creator, Preserver, covenant God, and gracious Father. That He is the supreme, and universal Governor; arranging, managing, and directing every event; so that accident can never happen, chance can have no place, but all is directed by infinite wisdom and omnipresent love. Why do we not consider? Because our hearts are fickle, false, and worldly; our minds are influenced by unscriptural notions; and we endeavour to walk by sight instead of faith. What are the consequences of our not considering? Our God is dishonoured and displeased; our souls are alarmed and misled; and Satan gains an advantage over us.
Jesus, mighty to renew, Work in me to well and do; Stem my nature's rapid tide, Slay my vile self-righteous pride! All thy power in me be shown, Take away the heart of stone!
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.
THIS is a complaint preferred against us by our infinitely gracious God; let us attend to it a little this morning. What should we consider? Surely, how great things the Lord hath done for us, He hath delivered our souls from death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from falling, that we may walk before God in the land of the living. How God provides for all His creatures, even the meanest, and therefore will certainly provide for us; being engaged to do so as our Creator, Preserver, covenant God, and gracious Father. That He is the supreme, and universal Governor; arranging, managing, and directing every event; so that accident can never happen, chance can have no place, but all is directed by infinite wisdom and omnipresent love. Why do we not consider? Because our hearts are fickle, false, and worldly; our minds are influenced by unscriptural notions; and we endeavour to walk by sight instead of faith. What are the consequences of our not considering? Our God is dishonoured and displeased; our souls are alarmed and misled; and Satan gains an advantage over us.
Jesus, mighty to renew, Work in me to well and do; Stem my nature's rapid tide, Slay my vile self-righteous pride! All thy power in me be shown, Take away the heart of stone!