Comfort in the cloudy and dark day!

(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")

"God, who comforts those who are downcast." 2 Corinthians 7:6

Many things cast us down--but only our God can effectually comfort us. He is the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. He delights to comfort His people--when comfort will do them good. He secures their welfare first--and makes comfort a secondary object. But He never sees His child in sorrow, without sympathy; nor long withholds the necessary cordial.

He comforts the downcast--especially those who are employing their talents in His service, and consecrating their energies to His praise.

Sometimes He brings home a sweet passage of His Word.

Sometimes He sends a Christian friend to speak with us.

Sometimes He cheers us through the preaching of the gospel.

Sometimes a sweet, soothing, comforting light beams upon the soul--and we feel relieved, refreshed, and encouraged; but scarcely know how or by what.

The Lord sends the comfort--whoever brings it. He is the Comforter of the downcast, and to Him alone let us look for comfort in the cloudy and dark day!