Reading: “The Comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me.”— Lamentations 1:16
Whence is it, my soul; that those distressing thoughts arise? Pause, and inquire. Is the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, indeed withdrawn, when Jesus promised that he should abide for ever? This cannot be!
Is the righteousness of Jesus less; or has his blood lost its efficacy? Oh no! Jesus’ righteousness and all-atoning propitiation, must be eternally and everlastingly the same “yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.” Has God thy Father forgotten to be gracious? Oh no! God proclaimed from heaven that he is well pleased for his dear Son’s righteousness’ sake; and never, never, shall a word gone out of the Lord’s mouth be altered.
From whence then is this fear and despondency? It is all in yourself, and an unbelieving heart; you are looking to yourself and not to all-precious Jesus! You want to feel some new frame, new feeling; some melting of heart, or the like; and if you could be gratified in this, then you would go to Jesus with confidence, and then plead, as you think, Jesus’ name, and blood, and righteousness for acceptance. And doth the want of these feelings keep thee back? Oh, fly! my soul. Is this thy love, thy kindness to thy friend? Can any thing be more plain, than that you are making a part saviour of your feelings, and not Jesus as your all-sufficient and whole Saviour? No wonder you cry, “The Comforter is far from me,” for the Holy Ghost is teaching you that comfort is only in Jesus.
If thou wilt seek comfort in any thing out of Jesus, though it be in the sweetest feelings and thoughts, Jesus will put comfort out of thy reach. Oh then, come to Jesus, poor and needy, with or without good and pleasant feelings. Make him all, and in all; and he will be your joy, comfort, and your portion forever!
Taken from The Poor Man’s Evening and Morning Portions by Rev. Robert Hawker, Works, Vol. 8; 1830. Edited by Aaron Dunlop for thinkgospel.com ©2013.
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