December 22 PM

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not. Isa. 35:4.

Mind the title to this chapter—“The flourishing of Christ’s kingdom.” What! and yet fearful hearts in it! What sort of disciples are these? There ever were such in the church. We meet with them daily. Where is the heart which at times is not fearful? That does not stand in need of being strengthened by the word and the grace of God? O! says one, I am of a fearful heart. I read my doom. It is to have my part with the unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, etc. in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. (Rev. 21:8.) Yes: this will be the certain portion of all, who are so fearful of their good names and fair characters, as to be ashamed of Christ and his gospel, and give them up for the love and friendship of this world. Be not of such fearful hearts, here spoken of. (1st.) This sort are rather of “a hasty heart.” It discovers its state by its beating, as the pulse does the disorders of the body. It beats quick; it trembles; it fears the face of its enemies; it dreads destruction from them. (2d.) Such a hasty heart is precipitate and inconsiderate. Because it does not know so clearly, nor enjoy so comfortably the grace of Christ as others do, it is hasty in writing bitter things against itself, and drawing black conclusions of its state. Such an one says, “I am fearful I am not one of the elect—not a believer in Christ—am not sanctified by his Spirit—shall at last turn out a hypocrite, and bring a scandal upon Christ and his gospel.” Such fears are of a godly nature. They spring from holy jealousy. Such are Christ’s tender lambs and timorous sheep. Therefore, he commands his ministers to say to such, “Be strong.” Though your strength is perfect weakness, and your enemies powerful and innumerable, yet—what? Be strong in confidence, in the Lord’s word of grace and truth; in the belief of his promises. “Fear not.” Banish your fears. Hear your Lord. Look to him. “Behold your God:” the God of fearful hearts and trembling spirits. Your God in flesh “will come with vengeance” against all your enemies, even God, “with a recompence.” His reward is with him. Nothing but love is in his heart: his lips speak nothing but grace and truth to fearful hearts and trembling souls. “He will come and save you.” Believe this: bless him for this: trust him for this: rejoice in him for this: wait upon him for this. Be assured of this, “The Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they who wait upon him.” Isa. 30:18.

Tho’ fearful in my heart,

My Lord proclaims his grace;

He sweetly bids my fears depart,

And shews his loving face.

Be strong in faith, my soul:

Honour thy faithful Lord,

Who can thy fiercest foes control,

According to his word.