Thurs., 4/23/15 Devotion (Ps. 34:18)

Today's encouragement comes from Psalm 34:18, where we read these words:

"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

There is a time and place for everything; and it is always suitable to have a humbled soul. Even in the greatest joys and loftiest experiences of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ—it is lovely when the children of God have a modicum of grief (over sin). This is what our Savior meant when He said "blessed are those who mourn," (in Matt. 5:4a).

Why is it blessed to mourn in this way? Because divine comfort follows it, (Matt. 5:4b). There is no sweeter sense, than that of the knowledge that one's sins are forgiven (in the blood atonement of Christ).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even in the worst time the prophets mingled sweet comfort for the hidden remnant of faithful people.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Bruised Reed"]