"AM NOT I BETTER TO THEE THAN TEN SONS?" This was the enquiry of a caring husband to an afflicted wife. Let us suppose that the question is proposed to ourselves, and try and turn it to some good account. "Why is thy heart grieved?" Is it from conviction of sin? If so, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Is it from desertion, or the loss of the Lord's presence? He will turn again, only return! He will have compassion upon us. His covenant is sure, His promise is true, though He may hide His face from us. Is it from unfruitfulness? He will be as the dew unto Israel, and we shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine. He will prune the branch by affliction, and cause it to bring forth more fruit. Is it from poverty? The silver and the gold are the Lord's, entirely at His disposal; and He will supply all our needs in His own time and way. Is it from bereavement? He will not leave us orphans but he will come to us; the Lord will take us up, and will be better to us than ten sons. Is it from hardness of heart? He will melt us and heal us. He will turn His hand upon us and purge away our dross and take away all our sin. Why need thy heart be grieved?

For Meditation:

Then let not griefs o'erwhelm thy breast,
To Jesus fly, He'll give thee rest;
Hope thou in God, His smiles shall raise
And fill thy soul with songs of praise.