The Source of Discouragements

Where do discouragements come from?
(1) Not from the Father, for he has bound himself by covenant to pity us as a father pities his children (Psa. 103:13) and to accept as a father our weak endeavours. What is wanting in the strength of duty, he gives us leave to take up in his gracious supply. In this way we will honour that grace in which he delights as much as in perfect obedience.
(2) Not from Christ, for he by office will not quench the smoking flax (Isa. 42:3). We see how Christ bestows the best fruits of his love on persons who are poor in condition, weak in abilities, and offensive for infirmities. This he does, first, because it pleases him to confound the pride of the flesh, which usually measures God's love by some outward excellency; and secondly, in this way he delights to show the freedom of his grace and confirm his royal prerogative that 'he that glories' must 'glory in the Lord' (1 Cor. 1:31). In Hebrews 11, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon and Samson ranked with Abraham, the father of the faithful (Heb. 11:31, 32). Our blessed Saviour glorified his Father by revealing the mystery of the gospel to simple men, neglecting those that carried the chief reputation of wisdom in the world (Matt. 11:25, 26). Augustine speaks of a simple man in his time, destitute almost altogether of the use of reason, who, although he was most patient of all injuries done to himself, yet from a reverence of religion he would not endure any injury done to the name of Christ. This shows that none have abilities so meagre as to be beneath the gracious regard of Christ.
(3) Not from the Holy Spirit. He helps our infirmities and by office is a comforter (John 14:16). If he convicts of sin, and so humbles us, it is that he may make way for his work of comforting us.
Discouragements, then, must come from ourselves and from Satan, who labours to fasten on us a loathing of duty.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Bruised Reed, pp. 56-57 [62-63]
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