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In the Hour of Grief, September 22
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to
the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor
grieve the children of men.
Lamentations 3:32, 33
.
[
From a letter of comfort to one bereaved of his only daughter.
] We
have drunk at the same cup of sorrow, but it was mingled with joy and
rest and peace in Jesus. He doeth all things well. Our heavenly Father
doth not willingly afflict and grieve the children of men....
This world is the scene of our trials, our griefs, our sorrows. We are
here to bear the test of God. The fire of the furnace is to kindle till our
dross is consumed and we come forth as gold purified in the furnace of
affliction.... Light will come out of this darkness which to you at times
seems incomprehensible. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord” (
Job 1:21
). Let this be the language of
your heart. The cloud of mercy is hovering over your head even in the
darkest hour. God’s benefits to us are as numerous as the drops of rain
falling from the clouds upon the parched earth to water and refresh it. The
mercy of God is over you.
Mary, dear precious child, is at rest. She was the companion of your
sorrows and disappointed hopes. She will no more have grief or want or
distress. Through faith’s discerning eye you may anticipate, amid your
sorrows and griefs and perplexities, your Mary with her mother and other
members of your family answering the call of the Life-giver and coming
forth from their prison house triumphing over death and the grave. Your
faith may see the loved and the lost ones reunited among the redeemed of
earth. You with them erelong, if faithful, will be walking in the streets of
the New Jerusalem, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, wearing the
jeweled crown....
“All things work together for good to them that love God” (
Ro-
mans 8:28
). Could your eyes be opened, you would see your heavenly
Father bending over you in love; and could you hear His voice it would
be in tones of compassion to you who are prostrate with suffering and
affliction. Stand fast in His strength; there is rest
for you.
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