We need caution that we do not confuse guilt from being caught with sorrow when being convicted. It is easy to guilt yourself into emotions but it is the Spirit filled heart that weeps and repents. Oh I pray that we not read these words and rent our clothes and cover our heads in ashes but rejoice in them and their hope and revelations. I pray we have patients in our tribulations and focus on our provider. May we take by the grace of God conviction and go To Him continually in prayer. I pray He enlightens each of us fills our heart.
Extra Credit: My recommended bonus article today is from A.W. Pink, entitled The Impotency of the Human Will. It answers plainly the common question “Does it lie within the province of mans will to accept or reject the Lord Jesus as Saviour?”
Jhn 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Jhn 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
Jhn 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
- Did Peter previously ask where the Lord was going? Reconcile this with vs 5
How sad these words may be. We all too many times focus solely on ourselves and our problems. We see only what is happening in our lives. Sadder still in this selfish look at our own situations we see them through the eyes of our flesh. We see not the hand of a sovereign Lord guiding all things for His glory and our good. We instead focus of misery and pain and become blind to His wisdom and guidance. We see the clouds and rain and curse the sun for not shinning through and know or care not the life the rain brings. We want what we want, when we want it, and kept to ourselves would stay in the darkness complaining about what we do not have. What worries me even the more is on our own, in this flesh, we not only in ignorance and sin think we know better and can effect our own future better and that we may do this at the price to others and the glory of God but there is in our harden hearts no remorse or sorrow. BUT! Oh what mercy and grace is in that word. BUT these trials, problems, worries, temptations, stresses, pain, words, and things He hath told us and given us so that we may remember, learn, and grow. BUT though we did not desire Him, though none followed, He went away for us. BUT He does not leave us to our own will and flesh. But He gives us a new heart. BUT He fills our heart with sorrow and turns us from our flesh. BUT He convicts us that through the sorrow, repentance, and shame we find comfort, joy, and hope. Oh how thankful we should be for the sorrow. How we should focus and seek grace to turn from this flesh. (Rom 12:12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
