'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — April 22

When you are surrounded with troubles and dangers, there is the power of God to rely on. Let faith support you; trust in God's omnipotence, as Paul: ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me.' Are you called to grievous sufferings? Imitate the three children: 'Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us.' Like Abraham, believe he is able (Rom. 4:21). Stay yourself on God's power. Consider also God's mercy. There is no condition so low but mercy can reach it; none so bad, but mercy can better it; none so bitter, but mercy can sweeten it; and none so hopeless, but mercy can encourage it. Mercy bears our faith when nothing else can. If we had a friend who can help us with ease, without trouble or expense, with the turning of a hand, it is no hard matter to believe he will do it. So with God. And can we doubt that the Lord will do it? He delights to show mercy (Jer. 9:24). He is omnipotent and omniscient. Compare the attributes of God with what men usually trust. They trust in riches, strength, and princes. Riches are uncertain, unsatisfying, insufficient, limited, and deceitful. God is unchangeable, satisfying, all sufficient, and faithful. Strength is vain. God is omnipotent. Princes are trembling, broken reeds. God is the Rock of Ages. Will men trust in a spider's web, in a shadow, in a lie, and in nothing? Is it not reasonable to trust in the Lord? Use God's attributes to strengthen faith. I am sinful, but God is merciful. I am unworthy, but he is gracious. I abused patience, but he is love. I am unfaithful, but he is faithful. Fix on the attribute of God that most suits your condition. In him, there is more than we need, more than we desire, more than we can imagine, infinitely more!

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
David Clarkson, Works, I:179-182
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