May 31 – Sweet Comforts of God’s Word

Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus

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“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 [See also 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.]

A converted man without afflictions is ready to place his trust and seek his comforts in temporal things. Earthly desires crowd upon him, filling his soul with vanity, and he cannot taste the sweet comforts of God’s word — but under the burden of the cross. Here we often enjoy more solid rest than if we were without a cross, and then Jesus Christ verifies His declaration (Matthew 11:30), “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Thus our hearts are set against the world, reconciled to heavenly things, and easily separated from many idols which we could not forsake before. Then may we well bear these beneficial burdens which, when sanctified, will produce present comfort, and soon issue in eternal rest and glory. And since the Lord has promised to give strength sufficient for the day, so that we may not be tempted above measure, there is abundant reason to acknowledge that His burden is light indeed, that His grace is sufficient for us, and His strength perfected in our weakness.

Blessed promise: “As your day, so shall your strength be!”

Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)