Consider the Hand of the Lord, by John Flavel (1627-91)

Consider the hand of the Lord in the whole matter.

FIRST, as a sovereign hand, which has right to dispose of you and all your comforts, without your permission or consent (Job 33:13).

SECONDLY, as a father’s hand, correcting you in love and faithfulness. “Whom the LORD loves he corrects, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:12). Oh, if once you could but see affliction as a rod in a father’s hand, proceeding from his love, and intended for your eternal good—how quiet you would then be!

And surely if it draws your heart nearer to God, and mortifies it more to this vain world, it is a rod in the hand of special love.

If your trial ends in your love to God,
doubt not but it comes from God’s love to you.

THIRDLY, As a just and righteous hand. Have you not procured this to yourself by your own folly? Yes, the Lord is just in all that is come upon you; whatever he has done, he has done you no wrong.

FOURTHLY, As a moderate and merciful hand that has punished you less than your iniquities deserve. He who has cast you into affliction, might justly have cast you into Hell. It is of the Lord’s mercy that you are not consumed. ” Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?” (Lamentations 3:39)