JOTS FROM OLD JAKE
FEAR NOT!
Wednesday, Jul. 02, 2008 - 1:01 p.m.
Psalms 33:21 For our heart rejoices in him, Because we have trusted in his holy name.
Blessed is the fact that we can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround us, we can still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages.
The waves may roll over, but our souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God's countenance; we have buoyancy about us which keeps our head always above the water, and helps us to sing amid the tempest, "God is with me still." To whom shall the glory be given? Oh! to Jesus--it is all by Jesus.
Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him. He is dying, and the cold chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to the neck, but Jesus puts His arms around him, and cries, "Fear not, beloved; to die is to be blessed; the waters of death have their fountain-head in heaven; they are not bitter, they are sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne of God."
As the departing saint wades through the stream, and the billows gather around him, and heart and flesh fail him, the same voice sounds in his ears, "Fear not; I am with thee; be not dismayed; I am thy God." As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown, and is almost affrighted to enter the realm of shades, Jesus says, "Fear not, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die; nay, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in his strength. Truly, the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire. He is at once
"The glory of our brightest days;
The comfort of our nights."
VERSE FOR THIS ENTRY!
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
ULTERIOR WORDS OF WISDOM� OR/NOT!
Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most fools do.
~Benjamin Franklin~
May you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!
