THIS implies DANGER. The Christian may be in danger from sin, self, foes. FEAR--his fears may be groundless, but they are often very painful. INABILITY--to defend himself or overcome his opposers. FORESIGHT--he sees the storm in the distance, and looks out for the covert. PRUDENCE--he hides before the storm, ere the enemy comes upon him. A laudable CONCERN for safety and comfort. The believer, if wise, will at all times flee to Jehovah. Jacob flies to Laban; the manslayer to the refuge; the bird to his mountain; and the Christian to his God. Asa may seek to physicians; Ephraim to King Jareb; and Saul to the witch: but the believer looks to his God. The Lord receives, befriends, and secures him. Let us flee to Him by prayer, in faith, with hope, for salvation; and He will receive us, shelter us, and be our refuge and strength. Flee from sin, from self, from the world; but flee to Jesus. His heart is ever toward us, His ear is open to us, and His hand is ready to help, protect, and deliver us. His throne is our asylum, His promise is our comfort, and His omnipotence is our guard.
Happy soul, that, free from harms, Rests within his Shepherd's arms! Who his quiet shall molest? Who shall violate his rest? He who found the wandering sheep, Loves, and still delights to keep.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
THIS implies DANGER. The Christian may be in danger from sin, self, foes. FEAR--his fears may be groundless, but they are often very painful. INABILITY--to defend himself or overcome his opposers. FORESIGHT--he sees the storm in the distance, and looks out for the covert. PRUDENCE--he hides before the storm, ere the enemy comes upon him. A laudable CONCERN for safety and comfort. The believer, if wise, will at all times flee to Jehovah. Jacob flies to Laban; the manslayer to the refuge; the bird to his mountain; and the Christian to his God. Asa may seek to physicians; Ephraim to King Jareb; and Saul to the witch: but the believer looks to his God. The Lord receives, befriends, and secures him. Let us flee to Him by prayer, in faith, with hope, for salvation; and He will receive us, shelter us, and be our refuge and strength. Flee from sin, from self, from the world; but flee to Jesus. His heart is ever toward us, His ear is open to us, and His hand is ready to help, protect, and deliver us. His throne is our asylum, His promise is our comfort, and His omnipotence is our guard.
Happy soul, that, free from harms, Rests within his Shepherd's arms! Who his quiet shall molest? Who shall violate his rest? He who found the wandering sheep, Loves, and still delights to keep.