If you are feeling the weight of the world, please take a moment to read the following timeless encouragement written in 1856 by James Smith. If you are a sincere believer in Jesus, whatever may be your present difficult circumstances, however trying, however perplexing: it will all end in mercy! You may not think so … Continue reading Hope for the Heavy Heart
Where to go in sorrow is one of life's great questions. For there are none to whom sorrow does not come at some time. The Master, whose footprints are on all life's paths, shows us the way to the refuge in the time of trouble. He found it in prayer. "Being in agony, He prayed." … Continue reading Prayers of Sorrow
Sometimes you are called to preach from the pit. Pain, suffering, grief, and sorrow are not reasons for the minister to back away from his calling to proclaim the word of God; they are often reasons to lean into it. Times of peace and comfort highlight certain truths as we study scripture, but there are … Continue reading Preaching from the Pit
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. He is mighty to comfort as well as to sanctify. His name is "the Comforter." His office is to console. In the discharge of this office He puts forth His power, not only mediately and indirectly through the Word, but immediately and directly upon the soul, sustaining and strengthening … Continue reading In the Day of Oppressive Sorrow
I am often troubled when I attend a funeral, and the leader refuses to let the people mourn. Those in charge of funeral arrangements, and often the families themselves, put so much effort into making the occasion a celebration of life, a graduation to heaven, that those in attendance might feel like their faith is … Continue reading It is a Weakness of Faith to Refuse to Mourn the Death of Loved Ones
For Your salvation I wait, O LORD. Gen. 49:18 In our text we see Jacob, who is coming to the end of his life, prophesying over his sons; the twelve tribes of Israel. As we read the text, we can see him propped up in bed weak from age, blessing his sons with perfect accuracy … Continue reading Longing for Home
The Fight of Faith 