The Twenty First of September.

HOPE THOU IN GOD --- Psalm 42:11.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." --- Psalm 42:11.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with this glory which shall be revealed to us." --- Romans 8:18.

Believers, we are here assured, may be in great distress; but though much perplexed, and often discouraged, they are secretly held up by faith, and brought off conquerors. If God had commanded us to pray and hope only till a certain time mentioned, and his help had failed to come within that time, we might justly despair.

But since he requires us to hope even to the end or last moment of life, this should keep us from impatience and despair: for though he should tarry even to the end, believers will certainly experience him then to be faithful to his promise. He may try our faith and patience to the utmost, but he cannot break his own word. Dear Lord, whatever load thou art pleased to lay upon me, enable me to wait, in faith and in prayer, till the joyful hour of deliverance comes.

'Tis God that lifts our comforts high,
Or sinks them in the grave;
He gives, (and blessed be his name!)
He takes but what he gave.

Peace, all our angry passions then.
Let each rebellious sigh
Be silent at his sovereign will,
And every murmur die.

In smiling mercy crown our lives.
Its praises shall be spread;
And we'll adore the justice too,
That strikes our comforts dead.

Devotion for September 21