His unwearied care and concern!
(Thomas Bradbury, "Comfort My People" 1897)
All along their journey through a world of sin, suffering, and sorrow, the people of God are the subjects of trial, temptation and tribulation.
The corruptions of our vile nature,
the fierce assaults of the devil,
the ways of the wicked around us,
the perplexities of God's mysterious providence,
and felt spiritual weakness,
all conspire to make our hearts disconsolate,
and cause us to sigh and cry.
But God is never at a loss to help and comfort His weak and weary, tried and tempted, oppressed and suffering people. His comforts abound with . . .
assistance in necessity,
help in extremity,
defense in danger,
deliverance from distress,
and infinitely more.
With all these He opens up His heart of love, and reveals to them His unwearied care and concern over them.
God's unchanging concern and care are beautifully illustrated in His love to Ephraim, after Ephraim's base wanderings from, and rebelliousness against the God and Father who loved him so well.
"Is not Ephraim My dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him." Jeremiah 31:20
All God's children are . . .
dear to Him,
pleasant in His eyes,
the delight of His heart.
God . . .
draws them to Himself with the cords of love,
blesses them with the sweets of divine communion,
kisses them with the kisses of His mouth,
dandles them on His knees of eternal affection,
presses them to His bosom of everlasting love,
and holds every covenant blessing ready for
whatever state or condition they may be in.