What A Delightful and Astonishing Thought It Is!

“Since you were precious in My sight – you have been honorable, and I have loved you.” (Isaiah 43:4)

“What marvelous grace is here!

“What a delightful and astonishing thought it is – that such poor, vile, rebellious creatures – should be precious to the infinite, holy, and eternal Jehovah!

“That He should delight in us! (Isaiah 62:4)

“That He should shed His precious blood for us! (1 Peter 1:19)

“That He should work precious faith in us! (2 Peter 1:1)

“That He should make precious promises – to support, supply, and comfort us! (2 Peter 1:4)

“That He should render Christ precious unto us! (1 Peter 2:7)

“That He should indulge us with a knowledge of His thoughts, and make them precious to us! (Psalm 139:17)

“That He should call us His precious children!

“Well may we exclaim with David, ‘What am I – that You should be mindful of me?'”

~ James Smith, Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed

Like the Passing Cloud on the Summer’s Day

“Your sorrow shall be turned into joy!” John 16:20

“The sorrow of the Christian must be transient. It is like the passing cloud on the summer’s day; or the chill of winter which must give place to the genial warmth of spring.

“Beloved, if you now have sorrow – then your sorrow also shall soon be turned into joy; for joy is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

“Heaviness may endure for the night – but joy comes in the morning.

“The sin that causes your sorrow – shall be pardoned and subdued.

“The foes that disturb your peace – shall be converted or destroyed.

“The clouds that obscure your sun – shall soon dissolve in showers of blessing on your favored head.

“The hard and weary road between you and your eternal home – will soon be passed! The days of your mourning will be ended, and those who now go forth weeping, bearing precious seed – shall soon return with songs of everlasting joy!”

~ James Smith, The Pastor’s Evening Visit

HT Grace Gems