God Comforteth
posted by on 03/10/07
In the year 2002 my son Robert gave Don and I a book for Christmas entitled “Morning by Morning” by Charles Spurgeon. Finally last year, 2006, I decided to read this devotional guide.There was a paragraph for each day of the year with a very short, very uncommon scripture text. I found each paragraph to be a tremendous blessing to me. Through these devotionals the Lord was able to give me “the lift” I needed for each day. I have highlighted the phrases that were of special meaning to me and gone back many times when faced with a need to remember the rich insights.
One of these was the entry for Feb. 20th entitled “God, that comforteth those that are cast down” 2 Cor. 7:16. It read “And who comforteth like Him? Go to some poor, melancholy, distressed child of God; tell him sweet promises, and whisper in his ear choice words of comfort; he is like the deaf adder, he listens not to the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely… you will bring forth no psalm of praise, no hallelujahs, no joyful sonnets. Be let God come to His child; let Him lift up his countenance, and the mourner’s eyes glisten with hope…Christian, when thou art dry, go to God, ask Him to shed abroad His joy in thy heart, and then thy joy shall be full. Do not go to earthly acquaintances, for you will find them Job’s comforters after all; but go first and foremost to thy “God, that comforteth those that are cast down,” and you will soon say, “In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”
I had first heard of Charles Spurgeon from my grandfather when I was a girl. Unlike myself, my grandfather read quite a bit and I remember him always having a pile of books beside his chair and more piles in his bedroom, much to my grandmother’s chagrin. I am now, out of curiosity, reading a biography of this incredible “preacher.” Maybe later I can tell you what factors in his life contributed to his literary success.
I am glad you decided to read that book, Mom. So many times when you came down for the Wisdom Search you had something really insightful to share from it. The book is also good for building one’s vocabulary; I have learned several uncommon words from when you have shared from it. And his biography? everyone should read it!
Hey Mom! I am so very glad to hear that you have been enjoying Spurgeon’s devotional and that the Lord has been speaking to you through it! At ITC Mr. Gergeni would read that every morning. But, you know, I really don’t know that much about Spurgeon. I’ll be looking forward to hearing more!
Just recently I heard someone mention that Charles Spurgeon was considered one of the most illiterate pastors of the day; however, he is one of the 19th century’s most prominent and well remembered giants of the faith. Excellent reminder that God uses the weak and foolish things to confound the wise. Thank you Mrs. Staddon for sharing.
If you want a great read on Spurgeon… read “Spurgeon, Heir of the Puritans.” Christian Liberty Press edition. You will love it!
Robert is an outstanding young man.
The devotional you shared was exactly what I needed this week. I’ve been feeling like no earthly person could possibly help me and that God would not comfort like someone flesh and blood. How wrong. How very, very wrong. What a blessing.