When we regard faith, as we have been doing during this course of brief lectures, under the emblem of a fruit tree, we must remember that it is no standard rearing itself aloft in the pride of its strength, but a plant in itself but feeble, which must lean on the Rock of Ages; which, even when its branches are fullest of swelling fruit, needs the props, the supports which God’s grace only can give. Without these supports how the branches would lie low on the earth, their fruit be defiled with its dust! How constantly in the history of God’s people do we find strong consolation given at the moment when faith is most ready to fail! To Jacob, a lonely, benighted wanderer, is sent a bright beam of heaven. Does he fear to encounter an angry brother? the angel of the Lord meets him and blesses. Joshua, ere commencing an arduous campaign, receives the promise, I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. To David comes the assurance of his final triumph from the lips of the very enemy engaged in hunting for his life: I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand. But I need not multiply instances of which the Scripture records are so full; now, as when He dwelt upon earth, our gracious Saviour says to the anxious, afflicted spirit, Be not afraid, only believe; and to His disciples entering on the conflict with sore temptation, Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me.
Rest, therefore, ye afflicted servants of God, on the promises made by your heavenly Master. The night of trouble may be around you, enemies may be before you, difficulties may press you from without, temptation assail you from within; but this is no proof that God has forsaken you. Are you looking to Him, trusting in Him; are you ready, like Gideon, to go forth in His strength to fight His battle against every besetting sin? Then fear not, for He is on your side; heaviness endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning; nay, more, the Lord giveth songs in the night, even before the darkness passeth away the tried one, like Gideon, may worship God and rejoice. The believer goes from strength to strength, even as day by day on the bough the fruit ripens and swells towards perfection. There is a growth in grace, an increase in love and in submission, which is visible even to the world.
The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
