When Discouraged
Richard Sibbes, in a book published in 1630, five years before his death:
A three-minute introduction to Sibbes from Mike Reeves:
The Magnificent Seven 7: The Sweet Dropper from Union on Vimeo.
Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. 'Alas!' we lament, 'I shall never get through such a trial.'
But if God brings us into the trial he will be with us in the trial, and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross (Zech 13:9).
From our own strength we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the Spirit's assistance we can bear the greatest. The Spirit will add his shoulders to help us to bear our infirmities. The Lord will give us his hand to heave us up (Ps 37:24).
'Ye have heard of the patience of Job' says James (James 5:11). We have heard of his impatience too, but it pleased God mercifully to overlook that.--Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed (Banner of Truth, 1998), 54-55
It yields us comfort in desolate conditions, that then Christ has a throne of mercy at our bedside and numbers our tears and our groans.
A three-minute introduction to Sibbes from Mike Reeves:
The Magnificent Seven 7: The Sweet Dropper from Union on Vimeo.