JESUS does not approve of your being in an agitated, perplexed, uncomfortable state. He wishes to see you steady, holy, and happy. He forbids your fear; He commands your faith. As He is with you, as He is engaged for you, you should leave your concerns very much with Him. But how can we attend to this exhortation? Get the mind assured of a covenant interest in God, as your God. Live under the impression, God is with me; He minutely observes every thing that takes place within and around me; He is watching for an opportunity to do me good; He will not allow any thing to hurt me; He will glorify Himself in me, and me in Himself; He bids me trust Him; I will trust and not be afraid. What will follow? He will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him; because they trust in Him. Trust then in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. Let nothing trouble you, for your souls are in the hands of Jesus; your life is hid with Christ in God; your times are at God's disposal; and all things are working together for your good.
Calmer of my troubled heart, Bid my unbelief depart; Speak, and all my sorrows cease; Speak, and all my soul is peace; And till I Thy glory see, Help me to believe in Thee.
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.
JESUS does not approve of your being in an agitated, perplexed, uncomfortable state. He wishes to see you steady, holy, and happy. He forbids your fear; He commands your faith. As He is with you, as He is engaged for you, you should leave your concerns very much with Him. But how can we attend to this exhortation? Get the mind assured of a covenant interest in God, as your God. Live under the impression, God is with me; He minutely observes every thing that takes place within and around me; He is watching for an opportunity to do me good; He will not allow any thing to hurt me; He will glorify Himself in me, and me in Himself; He bids me trust Him; I will trust and not be afraid. What will follow? He will keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him; because they trust in Him. Trust then in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. Let nothing trouble you, for your souls are in the hands of Jesus; your life is hid with Christ in God; your times are at God's disposal; and all things are working together for your good.
Calmer of my troubled heart, Bid my unbelief depart; Speak, and all my sorrows cease; Speak, and all my soul is peace; And till I Thy glory see, Help me to believe in Thee.