THE Lord's people often feel faint, being burdened with a body of sin and death, pursued and assaulted by Satan, tried and hindered by the world; but though faint they continue to pursue. Waiting on the Lord they renew their strength. The Lord has said, "I will strengthen thee." Brother, remember the promise and faithfulness of thy God; yield not to fear, or you will surely faint. Believe because God is true. David says, "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Power is given in answer to prayer. Strength is proportioned to the day. The back is fitted for the burden. Our God will not lay upon us more than He will enable us to bear. He strengthens by His word, by His Spirit, and by His presence; expect Him to be and to do according to His word; this will honour Him, and He will strengthen you with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Go forth, however weak you may feel, assured that God will give you strength and courage; strength to do and suffer His will, and courage to face, fight and overcome every foe.
Whence do our mournful thoughts arise? And where's our courage fled? Have restless sin, and raging hell. Struck all our comforts dead? Chase, chase thy gloomy fears away, Strength shall be equal to thy day.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
THE Lord's people often feel faint, being burdened with a body of sin and death, pursued and assaulted by Satan, tried and hindered by the world; but though faint they continue to pursue. Waiting on the Lord they renew their strength. The Lord has said, "I will strengthen thee." Brother, remember the promise and faithfulness of thy God; yield not to fear, or you will surely faint. Believe because God is true. David says, "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Power is given in answer to prayer. Strength is proportioned to the day. The back is fitted for the burden. Our God will not lay upon us more than He will enable us to bear. He strengthens by His word, by His Spirit, and by His presence; expect Him to be and to do according to His word; this will honour Him, and He will strengthen you with might by His Spirit in the inner man. Go forth, however weak you may feel, assured that God will give you strength and courage; strength to do and suffer His will, and courage to face, fight and overcome every foe.
Whence do our mournful thoughts arise? And where's our courage fled? Have restless sin, and raging hell. Struck all our comforts dead? Chase, chase thy gloomy fears away, Strength shall be equal to thy day.