Trials such as these draw very near to the tenderest fibers of the spirit, and I am moved to speak a word to you from the deeps of our common experience in Christ Jesus. You are not alone in this dark vale, for every child of God can, with the Psalmist, speak of my affliction; a portion of the black draught of sorrow is left for others. Of that cup we must all drink, little or much, as God ordains. Yet mark well the difference between the worldling and the believer in his affliction. The worldling says of his wine or his gold, "This is my comfort in my affliction." But the Christian, bringing his peculiar treasure, declares of God's holy Word, "This is my comfort in my affliction: for Your Word has quickened me." In the day when the soul is bowed down and the enemy whispers, "God has forsaken you; He will be gracious no more," lay hold upon this eternal fact: "Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven. Your faithfulness is unto all generations." The eternal existence of your God is the immovable rock under your feet; the promises which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus are wells from which you may draw the water of comfort, even as the patriarchs drank at Beersheba.
When the fiery darts of the Evil One descend and dark insinuations haunt the mind, this is the very season when the Son of God draws nearest to His people in the furnace. Remember the courage of David when Shimei cursed him: he met the cowardly attack not with resentment, but with entire resignation to the Divine will, saying, "Let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him." Let no bitterness rankle in your heart, but rather look to the bright side and still have hope, for the Lord may yet bring you forth with silver and gold, and not one feeble soul among your tribes. That peace which you seek, which is perfect and abiding, comes not from idle ease but from this single resolve: "To do the will of Jesus, this is rest." When thronging duties and invasive cares press upon you, ask, "What would Jesus have me do?" and in that path, though it be rough, you shall find the blood of Jesus whispering peace within. The great Comforter uses instruments, and He has commanded even angels, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," yet He Himself is the great inexhaustible well. There is recovery from soul-sickness even for those who seem to be going down into the pit. Though the soil slips from under your feet, He can come in, even then, and deliver you. Only hold fast to your covenant with God; let His Word be your delight, and you shall not perish in your affliction.