Thurs., 4/23/20 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 times of the greatest joys and loftiest experiences of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ—it is still lovely when the churched children of God have a modicum of grief (over sin). This is what our Supreme Savior meant when He said, “Blessed are those who mourn," (in Matt. 5:4a).

Why is it blessed for the redeemed saints to mourn? 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 our Lord Jesus 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"]