Run to God

As for unbelievers, we must know that God shuts out no one but those who shut themselves out, those who think the things of the gospel are too good to be true, and therefore will enjoy their pleasures, and continue in sin and pacify their consciences. But if their hearts are awakened, if they go to God and cast themselves upon his mercy--whosoever is weary, whosoever is thirsty, whosoever is heavy laden--God will show mercy if he comes in and accepts the proclamation of pardon (Ezek. 18:22). If he comes in and will not continue in his rebellion, but casts himself upon God's mercy, and resigns and yields himself to God and to Christ's government, to be ruled by him, he will find mercy. Let the devil keep no one in bondage, in the dungeon of ignorance and unbelief, for the end of the gospel is to bring in anyone who will come.
As for believers, never be discouraged from going to God, humbled as we ought to be. There is place for humiliation, but there is no place for discouragement or calling God's love into question. A son under anger is still a son; and though Satan presents to him an angry God because of his sin, yet he ought to lay hold of the rich mercies of God in Christ. What else should he do? Will he run away from God? No! A son runs to him. A child, when he has offended his father, does not run away from him; but, knowing that his father is merciful and loving, he goes and studies to appease his father, casts himself upon his favour and mercy, and endures his correction. However, Satan, when he has gotten us to sin, says, 'Now you might as well run on, for God follows you with judgments. You have offended God, and there is no hope for you.' Satan, by this means, keeps us without comfort, and God without service. Oh, instead come in and repent. Never call in question God's love for you.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Matchless Love and Inbeing, Works, vol. 6, pp. 391-92
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