“You have known my soul in adversities!” Psalm 31:7

Prosperity makes friends–but adversity tries them.
Many will visit and smile upon us–when the sun shines.
Few will venture out to do us good–in the wintry or stormy day!

David had been in adversity; he had been forsaken and neglected by his friends–but not by his God! His God . . .
knew him,
and visited him,
and cared for him,
and sympathized with him,
and supplied him,
and at length delivered him.

This honor have all His saints! We have been in adversity, we have passed through a wilderness; but our God has . . .
led us,
and fed us,
and preserved us,
and brought us out into a wealthy place.

We can witness for Him in reference to the past; and we ought calmly, quietly, and confidently to trust Him for the future. He has pledged His Word that He will deliver us in six troubles, and that in seven no evil shall touch us; and He who has promised is faithful.

He is emphatically, the Friend of His people in distress!

In our greatest trials–He will manifest His richest grace!

“Salvation is of the Lord!” Jonah 2:9

Salvation includes . . .
our election–which is past;
our effectual calling and sanctification–which are present;
and our glorification–which is future.

We were chosen to salvation by the Father;
we are redeemed by Jesus Christ;
we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

God is the author of salvation;
grace is the source from which salvation flows;
Jesus is the Savior;
faith is the grace that receives salvation;
while separation from the world and dedication to God–prove that we are saved.

To all this, our apostle adds another view, and says, “We are saved by HOPE” Romans 8:24

Not in the same sense as we are saved by faith–which delivers us from guilt, degradation, and eternal death–by receiving from Christ, and confiding in Christ.

To be saved by hope–is to be kept, preserved, upheld, or sustained, in the midst of foes, dangers, and trials.

Hope quickens us in duties–and preserves us from becoming cold and dead.
It comforts us in tribulations–and keeps us from being disheartened and gloomy.
It enables us to overcome temptation–and so to hold on our way, looking unto Jesus.
It gives us peace in death–in the sure prospect of victory over the grave.

Thus hope saves us:
by preventing despair–into which we can never fall while hope lives within us;
by preserving us from desperation–to the verge of which we are sometimes brought;
by guarding us against rebellion–the seeds of which are still thickly sown in our corrupt hearts; and
by protecting us against apostasy–into which we can never fall so long as we hope in God.

From many evils, at many times, in many ways–we are saved by hope!

Hope is in God–as its highest object and best end.
Hope is through Christ–who is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life.
Hope is on the ground of the Word, which warrants, excites, and regulates it.
Hope is for all that God has promised, whether temporal or spiritual, in this world or the next.
Hope should be encouraged–as it brings . . .
glory to God,
comfort to our souls,
credit to our religion, and
honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, fill us with a lively hope, and teach us to expect . . .
all that God has promised,
all that Christ has procured, and
all that You have revealed in Your most holy Word.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Be sure to read James Smith’s encouraging short article, “Salvation by Hope“

We owe everything to grace!

(James Smith, “The Believer’s Triumph” 1862)

Glory be to God, for making us, who were once
children of wrath–and consequently heirs of hell–
children of grace–and consequently heirs of heaven!

We owe everything to grace–free grace, sovereign grace!

Our heavenly heavenly Father requires us . . .
to believe Him without questioning,
to obey Him without objecting,
to follow Him without hesitating, and
to submit to Him without murmuring or complaining.

As God’s chosen, adopted, and redeemed children
–filial love, filial confidence, and filial obedience,
should characterize our lives.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’
to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this
present age, while we wait for the blessed hope
–the glorious appearing of our great God and
Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to
redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for
Himself a people that are His very own, eager
to do good works.” Titus 2:11-14

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

I myself will help you!

(James Smith)

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

Wherever the Lord leads us–He will support us; nor shall the difficulties of the way, or the weakness we feel–be too much for us. His hand is stretched out to us, and it is for faith to lay hold of it and proceed, confident of divine assistance.

His omnipotent arm is the protection of His people in danger–and the strength of His people in weakness. He is “an ever-present help in times of trouble”. He is a God at hand. Are you weak, or in difficulty? Plead His Word; it is plain, positive, and sure. He cannot lie. He will not deceive. His strength is made perfect, and is glorified in your weakness. Fear not, underneath you are His everlasting arms!

He CAN help–for He is omnipotent. He WILL help–for He has given you His Word. “Trust in the Lord at all times; yes, trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength!” That strength is promised to you, and will be employed for you in answer to prayer.

Why then are you so fearful? Why cast down? He says, “I myself will help you!“

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T4G 2010 — Session 4 — Thabiti Anyabwile from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.