The Pilgrim Path---Lamentations 3: 31—33

For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.

A few reasons why the Lord sends hard times / or causes grief:

---to soften the heart that has grown too hard (the world hardens hearts).

---to hasten the development of submission in His own.

---to have His own walk far closer to Him (we wander off).

---to have us talk to Him far more than we have been talking to Him.

---to have greater appreciation for His covenant love (which began before time). His choices come out of affection, never out of malice or harm.

---to have us examine our ways (Lamentations 3: 40).

---to have us lift our hearts and hands up to Him: for it is always required that we have the attitude of a living sacrifice (Lamentations 3: 41; Romans 12: 1, 2).

---to have us appreciate the suffering of The Lord Jesus and understand that He “understands” all we face and need (Philippians 3: 10, 11; Hebrews 4: 14—16).

---to have us remember that we are never actually alone (Matthew 28: 20).

---to have us consider that when we get home, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” Revelation 21: 4.

From Thomas Brooks: “No man can tell how the heart of God stands by his actions. His hand of severity may lie hard upon those upon whom he has set his heart as you see in Job and Lazarus. Thus, be still; leave your muttering, murmuring, complaining, chafing and vexing, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Be silent under the afflicting hand of God. Conscience allays and stills all the tumults and uproars that are in the soul. Consider the gracious, blessed, soul-quieting conclusions that come out of afflictions. As Christ commanded the boisterous winds and the sea, and the roaring raging seas---‘He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm’ (Matt. 8: 26)---so let the conscience speak to the soul: Be quiet and still; ‘Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage: wait for the LORD’ (Psalm 27: 14), and ‘Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him’ (Psalm 37: 7).”

My Jesus, as thou wilt! O may thy will be mine.

Into thy hand of love, I would my all resign.

Through sorrow, or through joy, conduct me as thine own;

And help me still to say, “My Lord, thy will be done.”

Benjamin Schmolck, ca. 1704

“Give him leave to take his own way of dispensation with you; and though it be rough, forgive him; he defieth you to have as much patience to him, as he hath borne to you…when his people cannot have a providence of silk and roses, they must be content with such an one as he carveth out for them.” Samuel Rutherford

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our Risen LORD, Pastor Jason