If we thank God for wants, we shall not distrust Him for supplies.
If, because of painful circumstances, we cannot praise the Lord, we ought to confess the sin. (Eph. 5:20)
I would especially urge it upon the people of God to maintain a good conscience and a thankful heart.
Look back on the last seven days of your life how much of thanksgiving and praise has your heart rendered to God?
Communion with God, by hearkening to His voice in the Scriptures, and speaking with Him in praise and prayer by the Spirit of His Son, each member of Christ fulfilling his own office, is the proper end of every assembly of saints.
Oh that we were wise and tender-hearted, to cease from grieving that Holy Spirit of promise, our indwelling Paraclete! Then would the comfort of love, and fellowship of the Spirit, in every assembly, be earnest and foretaste of our perfect fellowship at the coming of the Lord.
“Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12)
“If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love [that is, in the communion of My love]; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)
“Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).
“Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4)