“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92). The precious promises of God’s word are like cordials to a soul that is ready to faint. They are full of virtue.
The famous Puritan writer, Thomas Watson, reminds us of some of God’s promises that will encourage our hearts as we start the new year.
There is a promise: “The Lord, compassionate and gracious” (Exodus 34:6).
Here God holds out the golden sceptre to encourage poor trembling sinners to come to him. God is more willing to pardon than to punish. Mercy multiplies more in him than sin in us. Mercy is his nature. The bee naturally gives honey; it stings only when provoked. “But,” says the guilty sinner, “I cannot deserve mercy.” Yet God is gracious. He shows mercy, not because we deserve mercy, but because he delights in mercy. “But what is that to me? Perhaps my name is not in the pardon.” The bank account of mercy is not exhausted. God has treasures lying by, and why should you not come for a child’s share?
There is a promise working for good: “I will heal their waywardness” (Hosea 14:4).
He has promised to send his Spirit, whose sanctifying power is like water which cleanses vessels and fire which refines metals. The Spirit of God shall cleanse and consecrate your soul, making it share in the divine nature.
There is a promise working for our good: “I will be with him in trouble” (Psalm 91:15).
God does not bring his people into troubles and leave them there. He will stand by them. He will hold their heads and hearts when they are fainting. “He is their stronghold in time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39). “Oh,” says the soul, “I shall faint in the day of trial.” But God will be the strength of our hearts. He will join his forces with us. Either he will make the burden he has placed upon us lighter, or our faith stronger.
There is a promise: “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10).
If it is good for us, we shall have it. If it is not good for us, then the withholding of it is good. This blessing falls as the honey dew upon the leaf. It sweetens what little we possess. Though a child of God might be reduced to great troubles, yet they will not be forsaken. They are still an heir of heaven, and God loves them.
This is an extract taken from Into His Presence by Tim Chester. It is a collection of eighty theologically rich and beautifully written prayers and meditations, adapted from Puritan prayers and prose, which will enrich and deepen your prayer life. While retaining the dignity and beauty of the original language, Tim Chester has updated key words and phrases, making the book accessible to modern readers.
Tim Chester is a senior faculty member of Crosslands Training and has written over 40 books. He has a PhD in theology and PgDip in history along with 25 years' experience of pastoral ministry. He is married with two grown-up daughters and lives in rural Derbyshire, where he is part of a church plant.
