Corrosives to eat out the proud flesh!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33

"Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." Job 5:7

Troubles arise like sparks out of a furnace.

The present state of life is subject to afflictions. Man comes into the world with a cry—and goes out with a groan!

Afflictions are some of the thorns which the earth brings forth. We may as well think to stop the sun in its swift motion—as put a stop to troubles. The consideration of a life exposed to troubles and sufferings, should make us say with patience, "May Your will be done."

It is vain to quarrel with instruments. Wicked men are but a rod in God's hand! "O Assyria, the rod of My anger." Isaiah 10:5. Whoever brings an affliction—God sends it! The consideration of this should make us say, "May Your will be done." What God does—He sees a reason for. This believed, would rock the heart quiet. Shall we mutiny at that which God does? We may as well quarrel with God's works of creation—as with God's works of providence.

Consider that there is a necessity for affliction. "If need be, you are in heaviness." 1 Peter 1:6. It is needful that some things are kept in brine.

Afflictions are needful to keep us humble. Often there is no other way to have the heart low—but by being brought low. When king Manasseh "was in affliction, he humbled himself greatly." Corrections are corrosives to eat out the proud flesh. "Remembering my misery, the wormwood and the gall; my soul is humbled in me." Lamentations 3:19, 20. Shall not we quietly submit, and say, "Lord, I see there is a necessity for it. May Your will be done!"