Destitution.—"In great want."—This missionary was sent by God to this house—sent like the raven to Elijah. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. He frequently overrules poverty, and it contributes to the good of His children.
Discouragement.—Confidence in God's promises, the great panacea for all the difficulties of life. "Won't you trust Him?" the child asked.
Despondency.—This widow was "very sad." When there is no bread in the house and the children are clamorous for food, it is enough to produce despondency. But afflicted women should remember that God has promised to be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless.
Despair.—"No desire to live."—A sad, very sad condition! When God sends affliction it is our duty to pray and not despair. Amid the gloom of earth's trials, the Holy Spirit alone can cheer; sorrow and despair can be changed, by God's matchless grace, into gratitude and gladness. Newton used to say, when inclined to dark, foreboding feelings:
Begone, unbelief, for my Saviour is near,
And for my relief will surely appear;
By prayer let me wrestle and he will perform;
With Christ in the vessel, I can smile at the storm.
Light Amid Darkness.