Even while frowns seem to cover His face,
and the rod is seen in His hand!

(James Smith)

"Though He causes suffering — yet He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love!" Lamentations 3:32

Beloved, are you sorely tried?

Are you writing bitter things against yourself?

Has the hand of God gone out against you?

Are you ready to say, "All these things are against me!"

Cheer up!
The storm will soon cease,
the dark clouds are floating into the distance,
the sun will soon burst forth,
even now faith may see the rainbow in the cloud, for "though He causes suffering — yet He will show compassion according to His abundant, faithful love!"

Even now He pities you with a father's pity! He waits but the fittest time to show compassion to you again.

Infinite compassion reigns in His heart — even while frowns seem to cover His face, and the rod is seen in His hand!

Come to the determination of afflicted Job, "Though He slays me — yet will I trust in Him!"

He is not SLAYING you! He is only . . .
  trying you,
  purifying you,
  fitting you for service, and
  preparing you for heaven!

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it!" Hebrews 12:10-11