(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you!” Isaiah 43:5
Believer, your God says, “I am with you!” What a thought is this! God, the great, the glorious, the omnipotent Jehovah — is with me! He is . . .
with me to help me,
and to comfort me,
with me to sanctify me,
and with me to save me,
with me as a kind benignant Father,
in every place, in every trouble, in every conflict,
with me through all my journey and forevermore,
and with me on the bed of sickness,
to hold communion with me,
with me to listen to my sighs,
and to number my tears, and
with me to secure me from all injury!
Appearances may be very dark; the night may seem very long; and your pains, weakness, and fears may be many and great. Still, if the Lord is with you, you may sing, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty — yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-18
What a thought is this!