James Smith

"The Lord will give grace." Psalm 84:11

No one knows what lies ahead of him, nor is it possible for human foresight to provide against the evils which may arise; but this is the Christian's comfort — his God knows and has provided for all, and will give him grace according to his day.

Grace in God is His free and sovereign favor; grace from God is the expression and proof of that favor. Grace given, is sometimes wisdom to direct; at others, strength to enable: at others, holiness to sanctify; it takes the form we need, and is just what we need, and all that we need. "The Lord will give grace," more grace (James 4:6;) grace for grace (John 1:16;) abundance of grace (Romans 5:17;) grace to crown grace. (1 Pet 1:13.) Grace for life and living, and grace for death and dying. The Lord gives to the poor and unworthy; He gives liberally, as much and as often as is needed; and He gives with pleasure and delight.

The grace which the Lord gives, will conquer unbelief, and enable us to believe His word. (Acts 18:27.) It will pardon all our sins, (Ephesians 1:7;) and justify us fully and freely. (Rom 3:24.) It will help us to perform Christian duties; to bear all our trials with fortitude and patience, and to overcome all our foes. It is grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) It inclines the heart to work for God, and assist the believer in all he undertakes for the Lord's glory. Paul could say, "The grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, for I labored more abundantly than they all; and yet not I — but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10.)

This grace is sufficient to enable us to bear a thorn in the flesh with joy, and to overcome even a special messenger of Satan, sent to buffet us. (2 Corinthians 12:9.) It is all-sufficient to enable us to do and abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8;) and to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28.) It will give everlasting consolation, and inspire with a good hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16;) and it will form the most lovely character out of the crudest material. (2 Corinthians 1:12.)

It brings the tidings of salvation to the ear (Titus 2:11;) produces faith by which we embrace and enjoy them (Ephesians 2:8;) and completes and crowns the work. (Ephesians 2:5-8; Acts 15:11.) It makes the poorest sinner which it embraces, an heir of promise (Hebrews 6:17;) of salvation (Hebrews 1:14;) and of God, (Titus 3:7; Romans 8:17.) In a word, it . . .
has all we can want,
promises all we shall ever need,
gives all we ask in faith, and
saves us with an everlasting salvation!

Reader, this promise is brief — but it is full of blessing; it is suited to our case, and opens a fountain of comfort for our supply. The Lord will give grace — then this should prevent our giving way to fear; what cannot grace enable us to do? What will not grace bring us safely through? If the Lord will gives grace, then may we boldly ask, "Of what, or of whom shall I be afraid?"

This promise should strengthen our faith, and make us confident in God, saying, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song, He also is become my salvation."

This promise should stir us up to prayer; what can we need that is not included in the word grace? And yet this is the very thing which Jehovah has so plainly and positively promised. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need!"

This promise should nerve us to diligence and entire consecration to God; the grace received from God should be employed for the glory of God; and if we thus employ what we receive — then we may have whatever we ask. He says, "Work while it is called today." The believer feels weak and insufficient; but the God who bids him work, promises grace to enable him to perform; the precept should lead us to the promise, the promise should up, taken to the throne in prayer, and the grace received in answer to prayer, should be employed in performing the precept.

Lastly, this promise should produce gratitude, and embolden us in the Lord's cause; not only should we say, "I will run the way of your commandments;" but, "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth!"