(David Harsha, “Thoughts on the Love of Christ”) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows!” John 16:33
Affliction comes upon all!
None are exempt from the sufferings incident to our fallen nature. The young, the old, the rich and the poor alike–feel the withering touch of affliction and of sorrow. Disease invades the strongest constitution, and affliction prostrates the mightiest energy. Often those in the prime and vigor of life are laid down on the bed of sickness, and made to feel that they are dying creatures. How true it is, that “How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!” Job 14:1
The children of God are not exempted from the afflictions, but it is their blessed consolation to know that in all their sorrows and sufferings, they have a caring and divine Friend to sympathize with them!
Therefore How often does the blessed Jesus wonderfully manifest His love to His afflicted ones! How often does He whisper words of peace and love and consolation in their ears! And How often, in the manifestation of His love, do their souls overflow with joy, even when their bodies are racked with severe pain!
All the afflictions of the children of God are designed for their good.
Because They come from a kind and wise heavenly Father–from a God of love; and one of their designs is their purification and sanctification.
Afflictions make us fit for glory. Because They enable us to obtain a correct view of the emptiness of all worldly vanities. They tend, through grace, to fix our souls on Jesus, in whom alone we can find true happiness and immortal joys.
Therefore Happy sickness, that leads the soul to Jesus–the only source of blessedness! Afflictions, then, promote our spiritual welfare, and are ordered for our good.
Psalm 119:67, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word!”
And Psalm 119:71says: “It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your decrees!”
Psalm 119:75, “I know, O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me!”
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