HE WILL HAVE MERCY UPON HIS AFFLICTED. The Lord's people are peculiarly His own. We are constantly reminded of this in God's holy word. Upon them He shows abundant love and mercy, for He had chosen them to salvation from the foundation of the world. He redeemed them by the precious blood of His own Son. They are dear to Him even as the apple of the eye. However, God's people had fallen into sin and rebelled against their Redeemer. In love, the Lord sent them affliction and tribulation to chasten and rebuke them. His anger endures but a moment: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities His people, and comforts them, as soon as they turn again to Him. He comforts His people by giving them His holy word, by opening to them the throne of grace, and freely pardoning their sins. He assures them that their sighs and groans of contrition were heard, and their sin burdens were all lifted, the sin stains all cleansed by the blood of His Son. Then the Holy Comforter Himself restores the peace in their hearts, for the Father's love never fails.

For Meditation:
This joy to strangers is unknown,
Nor can it be expressed;
It is revealed to those alone,
Who on the Saviour rest.