IN CHRIST THERE IS NO PLACE FOR DESPAIR. God has provided suitable and sufficient comfort for His people. He sends them comforters just as their circumstances require. But they at times refuse to hear their voice. The Lord has perhaps taken away an idol, or He withholds His sensible presence, that they may learn to live by faith; or perhaps He has blighted their worldly prospects or He has written vanity and emptiness upon their own schemes, ambitions and delights. They give way to passion, as did Jonah; or they sink into sullen gloom or allow haughty pride to rule the spirit, or yield to extreme sorrow, as Rachel did; or they fall under the power of temptation or imbibe the notion, that they have no right to comfort. This is wrong, all wrong, decidedly wrong. Look at what is left you: at what the gospel presents to you; at what heaven will be to you. But the Psalmist was convinced that he was wrong. He was sorry for his sin. He was reformed in his spirit and conduct. He wrote this psalm to instruct, caution, and warn. Observe, they who are entitled to all comfort, often through their own folly, enjoy the least.

For Meditation:
O Thou fount of every blessing,
Chase my sorrows, cheer my heart,
Till in heaven, Thy smile possessing,
Life and joy and peace impart.