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ADVICE TO THE AFFLICTED
IN whatever situation we be, we shall find both consolation in the promises, and direction in the examples, that are recorded for our use in the Sacred Writings. But in seasons of affliction principally, will the holy Oracles be found precious, because they exhibit to us God’s dearest children in similar circumstances, and point out to us the means, which they, in their troubles, found effectual for their relief.
In recommending the example of David, we shall,
I. Mention some seasons wherein our hearts are apt to be overwhelmed—
This is a vale of tears to all: but to some more especially,
1. From temporal calamities—
[Bodily pains, loss of friends [Note: 2Sa_18:33.], embarrassed circumstances, will weigh down the spirits even of the best. And though, at times, religion will enable them to triumph in the midst of all their tribulations, yet its more common operation is, to moderate their grief, to produce resignation in their souls, and to sanctify the affliction to their spiritual advancement.]
2. From spiritual troubles—
[The first convictions of penitents are often accompanied with the deepest anguish; insomuch that, if God did not support them by a hope of his mercy, they might, like Judas, destroy themselves in utter despair. Their subsequent views also of their indwelling corruptions are frequently attended with such dejection, as quite to enervate the body and overwhelm the soul [Note: Isa_35:3-4. Rom_7:24.]. If to these be added the hidings of God’s face, the soul may have a foretaste even of hell itself in the miseries that it endures [Note: Psa_77:2-9. N. B. “overwhelmed.”].]
3. From the near prospect of death—
[To a person enjoying the divine presence, death has no terrors [Note: Php_1:21; Php_1:23.]: it is a welcome messenger, that cannot come too soon. But to one in spiritual darkness and desertion, it is inexpressibly dreadful; and the whole world would appear but a small price to pay for the respite of a few days. The ungodly, it is true, too often die as insensible as the beasts: but the godly, who know the terrors of the Lord, cannot pass through that dreary valley without extreme horror, unless they have an inward witness of their acceptance with God [Note: Psa_55:4-5 and perhaps Isa_38:10-14.].]
The example in the text may serve as a model, while we endeavour to,
II. Shew how we should conduct ourselves in those seasons—
1. To speak generally, we should betake ourselves to prayer—
[God is the only source of strength and consolation. If we apply to the creature in our distress, we shall invariably find him but a broken reed [Note: Hos_5:14. Isa_31:3.]. On the contrary, the pressure that is on our minds will, for the most part, increase: or, if the trouble be removed, the removal will prove a heavier judgment than its continuance. But if we apply with humility to a throne of grace, the desired effect will almost instantly appear [Note: Isa_65:24.]. There is no trouble from which prayer has not extricated the sons of men: it prolonged the life of Hezekiah [Note: 2Ki_20:1-6.]; brought Jonah from the bottom of the sea [Note: Jon_2:1-7.]; and restored to peace the tempest-tossed soul of David [Note: Psa_116:3-8.]. For us also, if it be fervent, it shall effectually prevail [Note: Jam_5:16.]: there is no disquietude which it shall not pacify, “no sorrow which it shall not turn into songs of joy [Note: Psa_50:15.].” Wherever we are therefore, even “at the very ends of the earth,” and however circumstanced, we should make our requests known unto God, in order to the attainment of solid peace [Note: Php_4:6-7.].]
2. More particularly, we should beg of God to lead us to the Saviour—
[David, though a king, had no sufficiency in himself: he was forced to look to one higher than himself, even to Jesus, the Rock of his salvation [Note: Psa_89:19.]. But how should he come to Jesus, unless the Father should draw him [Note: Joh_6:44.]? Hence he prayed so fervently, that God would “lead” him to that Rock. Thither then must we also go; for there alone can we find stability. Does guilt appal us? nothing but the blood of Jesus can compose our minds [Note: Act_16:29-31.]. Do temptations harass us? nothing but his grace can enable us to withstand them [Note: 2Co_12:9.]. Do accumulated troubles threaten to overwhelm us? we can both do and suffer all things, if he strengthen us; yea, we shall be more than conquerors through him that loved us [Note: Rom_8:37.]. Like a shipwrecked mariner standing on a rock, we may defy the waves that roar beneath our feet. Such was the experience of David himself [Note: Psa_40:1-3. N. B. “the rock.”]; and such shall be ours also, if the storms that threaten us drive us for security to that place of safety. Let us then, in every affliction, look to Jesus as our help; and, with a deep impression of our inability to go to him aright, let us cry unto God, “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!”]
Address—
1. Those who experience no overwhelming troubles—
[However serene the sky at present be, no man knows how soon a storm may arise. But supposing our voyage through life be ever so favourable, it must come to an end: and what shall we do in the hour of death without an interest in Christ? Above all, what must become of us, if we be not fixed upon that Rock at the day of judgment? Let us then improve our tranquil hours in securing an establishment on Christ Jesus; that, however suddenly calamities may come, or death may summon us into the presence of our God, we may be found standing immovably on the Rock of ages. Then, like Noah, shall we rejoice in God’s favour, when thoughtless myriads shall be overwhelmed in the deluge of his wrath.]
2. Those who are bowed down under trouble—
[You are but too apt to carry your complaints to men, instead of spreading them before God. What wonder then you find no deliverance? Has not David told you, that this was his very experience; and that nothing but the use of this remedy afforded him relief [Note: Psa_32:3-5.]? Chide then, and resist, your backwardness to prayer. Lay the blame, not on God, who is willing to impart help, but on yourselves, who are unwilling to implore it. Your troubles are sent on purpose to drive you to the Saviour, whom, in a time of prosperity, you are too prone to neglect: and if you suffer them to produce that effect, you shall soon number them amongst your richest blessings.]