Basic HTML Version
Hope for the Hopeless, January 21
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy
upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,
saith the Lord.
Isaiah 55:7, 8
.
It is your thought that your mistakes and transgressions have been so
grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto your prayers, and will
bless and save you.... The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you
will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your
imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect
nature. But do not be discouraged. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions
have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is
arousing you, and your indifference and unconcern are passing away.
No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not see
and realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by grace will
admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity,
it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and
excellence of Christ. The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we
shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A
view of our own sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon....
God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another. His
thoughts are thoughts of mercy, love, and tenderest compassion. “He will
abundantly pardon.” He says, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy
transgressions”....
Look up, you who are tried, tempted, and discouraged, look up.... It is
ever safe to look up; it is fatal to look down. If you look down, the earth
reels and sways beneath you; nothing is sure. But heaven above you is
calm and steady, and there is divine aid for every climber. The hand of
the Infinite is reaching over the battlements of heaven to grasp yours in its
strong embrace. The mighty Helper is nigh to bless, lift up, and encourage
the most erring, the most sinful, if they will look to Him by faith. But the
sinner must look up.
[28]
26