It occurred to me that your fear and discouragement may have been worsened if not caused by a feeble grasp on the great saving truths of our faith.  Such low spirits in a Christian often result from a hope too frail and thin for bearing the burdens of this life.  Everyone experiences [...]]]> My dear friend,

It occurred to me that your fear and discouragement may have been worsened if not caused by a feeble grasp on the great saving truths of our faith.  Such low spirits in a Christian often result from a hope too frail and thin for bearing the burdens of this life.  Everyone experiences difficulties and disappointments in this “vale of tears.”  Christians in particular should know that only through many tribulations may we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).  But the Lord provides followers of Jesus with the spiritual wherewithal to meet and greet those tribulations with joy and thanksgiving.  In Christ He has removed the evil of afflictions.  By Christ He has secured for souls everlasting blessedness.  Through Christ He has opened up a new and living way into His glorious presence through precious shed blood.  God’s presence is the place of refuge where we discover and experience pleasures forevermore (Ps 16:1, 11).  Everything in a Christian’s life occurs with that undeserved goal in view.  This hope rests soundly on the Rock.  It unmasks life’s trials as mere light, momentary afflictions that cannot compare with the eternal weight of glory prepared for us (2Cor 4:17).  Present sufferings are no match for future glory (Ro 8:18).  This enduring, divine promise cannot fail and will not disappoint – ever!

As you know, my friend, when I speak of hope for a Christian I do not mean a mere wish or desire, but a certain expectation of good.  The two are vastly different.  He who wishes will long for something but have no reasonable expectation of ever obtaining it.  He who hopes will expect fulfillment.  Certainty and confidence pervade his thinking.  Solid rock undergirds his hope.  He’s on sure footing.  So a Christian has cause for rejoicing even in the midst of trials.  A mere desire withers under storms of pain and disappointment, but hope stands strong against the fiercest gales.  Its roots go deep into the subsoil of Christian truth.  They draw savory nourishment from Christ and bring forth fruits of joy and peace.  A Christian tastes and sees that the Lord is good (Ps 34:8).  If the weeds of fear and discouragement have overrun your soul, then you must pluck them up by the Word while feeding and strengthening your hope.  Hold fast the confession of hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23).

The full assurance of hope may be attained under God’s blessing by diligent effort and perseverance (Heb 6:11).  Seek to cultivate it by studying the promises and blessings of the Covenant of Grace, becoming better acquainted with your covenant God and Father, learning to treasure Christ as your Redeemer and King, and discovering how to walk daily with the Holy Spirit.  When struggling with doubts, the Psalmist remembered God’s deeds, pondered His work, meditated on His wonders (Ps 77:11-12).  When downcast he strengthened his hope by reminding his own soul that the Redeemer is praiseworthy (Ps 42:5).  Devote yourself to personal prayer and public worship.  By this means you may watch daily at His gates and wait patiently beside His doors.  Attentively listen to His voice!  In so doing, my dear friend, you will be blessed by that hope which finds life and obtains favor from the Lord (Prv 8:34-35).

In that full assurance,

Scott